Affectionate kitten robot and anti-Covid masks at the annual technology fair | Arabnews en

LAS VEGAS: Cute robots, anti-coronavirus technologies, speakers, lamps, toothbrushes and various electric and autonomous devices were presented Monday, in preview of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES ) from Las Vegas.

The high mass of consumer electronics opens on Wednesday with fewer exhibitors and attendees than expected, as many companies have canceled due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Selected pieces.

Hi-tech anti-Covid mask

The French start-up Airxôm brought its prototype mask from Lyon, which protects against pollution, bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Its white plastic shell, which covers the nose and mouth, evokes the Imperial soldiers of "Star Wars". Connected to a box to be worn on the belt, it contains an "active" filter capable of destroying fine particles and volatile organic compounds, ie pathogens or pollutants.

"It is a fantastic tool to fight the Covid crisis, because with this mask you will not need to do a fourth vaccination, a fifth and a sixth, depending on all the variants of the virus and all the new viruses that will arrive in the future", promises Franck Glaizal, co-founder of Airxôm.

"Classic masks are not 100% waterproof, the air passes through the sides. Our mask is completely waterproof, and very comfortable", assures Trong Dai Nguyen, who is difficult to hear through the thick mask. .

This Airxôm engineer specifies that the company is working to improve the sound for the next version.

The current model is to be released in the spring, "for around 300 euros".

"If we change our (surgical) masks every four hours, after three years it costs more than our mask," says Trong Dai Nguyen.

Hidden fan

Tired of suffocating under his anti-Covid mask, Eric Fouchard has developed a mini-ventilation system that fits under the paper protection.

Called Aeronest, start-up NewPadMaker's micro fan is held in place by a double magnet and is powered by a tiny battery attached to a cord that passes over the user's neck.

Trump needs to go back to high school and learn how to write (and follow) a speech outline

— Tee Wed Mar 02 02:57:56 +0000 2016

"When you take the plane or the train, it allows you to breathe normally," the entrepreneur told AFP. "It can also be used when you are working and want to prevent fogging up of your glasses".

The speed can be adjusted as needed, he adds.

The biting robot

In Japanese, the expression "amagami" means "soft bite". "It's a very pleasant feeling that we want to share with the world," says Japanese entrepreneur Shunsuke Aoki.

His plush robot, which looks as much like a cat as a small dog, gently nibbles the finger that appears under its muzzle.

The start-up sought to replicate this instinctive gesture of baby animals, with the idea that people could find comfort in it.

Shunsuke Aoki, for example, says he uses the companion robot while driving. "With the Covid, when people spend their day at home, it's very comforting," he notes.

Unmanned Race Cars

Artificial intelligence technologies replace steering wheels and humans at the controls in Formula 1-type cars that will compete on Friday in an unprecedented race.

"They are completely autonomous. It is the software that directs the car", explains Paul Mitchell, boss of Energy Systems Network, the organizer of the race.

The computer system “takes information from the sensors and orders the automobile to turn, brake, accelerate or overtake,” he adds.

The machines will compete two by two on the Las Vegas circuit at speeds of up to 260 km/h.

The idea is not only to entertain, but also to test and perfect this software, with a view to using it one day on the highway.

"Racing cars and racing in general are an ideal way to push technology to the absolute limit," says Paul Mitchell.