Mobile Phone Shops Use Ai To Disinfect Virus
Major mobile phone companies in Japan are using artificial intelligence in disinfecting efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Telecommunications firm KDDI launched the new system on Tuesday, which was developed by a startup company. The event was held at its "au" mobile phone outlet near the Ikebukuro railway station in Tokyo.
Cameras were installed in the store. AI identifies smartphones or other displayed items and areas customers touched. Staff are then able to confirm these places visually on computer screens.
After the store closes, a disinfecting robot makes the rounds emitting ultraviolet light, which is said to be effective at eradicating viruses.
The three major carriers, which include NTT Docomo and SoftBank, have confirmed infections among staff working in at least 10 of their stores across Japan since July. They are calling on customers to use online procedures for contracts, or to make appointments before coming in to stores.
KDDI official Ishii Ryohei said stores need to implement measures to prevent infections, but they had found the task troublesome. He says he hopes the latest technology will make the process more efficient.
