Location: Japan
The C-mask was developed to eliminate communication barriers caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
How people of the world interact with others has been reshaped. The addition of a face mask, now mandatory in many places, can create additional barriers for some people, especially those with hearing issues.
Without being able to read lips or hear conversations clearly, communication has become challenging especially in noisy surroundings. What typically happens is people can lower their masks or avoid wearing them properly which effectively reduces the protection they offer.
The C-mask is a Bluetooth-connected smart mask developed by Donut Robotics that has the potential to help with this new challenge. Donut Robotics developed the mask in response to the coronavirus pandemic, using robotics technology they have worked with for years.
The C-mask fits over a standard face mask and connects to a smartphone. It can amplify the wearer’s voice, make calls, and transcribe speech into text. For a monthly fee, the mask can also translate Japanese into eight other languages. The first 5000 C-masks will be released in Japan in September, with plans to distribute around China, the US, and Europe.
Website: https://www.donutrobotics.com/c-mask
Image: Donut Robotics