In the wake of COVID-19, it has become imperative to maintain the one-metre distance from people to avoid coronavirus infection. To promote safe social distancing, a B.Tech student Prabin Kumar Das from LPU’s Department of Electronics Communication and Engineering along with his faculty has developed an IoT device named KAWACH.

A low cost and easy to carry a device, KAWACH comprises of an LED, Vibrator, Controller, Battery, Human Body Temperature Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor, Switch and a Storage Card. This device can be worn as a pendant, and it vibrates and glows if someone intrudes the user’s safe space of one metre. The device also features a hand wash reminder that beeps every 30 minutes to remind the user to wash his/her hands. The device’s temperature sensor alerts the users via SMS in case their body temperature crosses the prescribed limit.

COVID-19

The researchers have successfully conducted the device’s pilot testing among the staff members of LPU. The university is now looking for the right partners to commercialise it. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a minimum 1-metre distance between oneself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and KAWACH is designed to help people follow this guideline.

India has announced a complete nationwide lockdown for 21 days as the number of active Coronavirus cases hits 500. The pandemic has taken over 20,000 lives so far, leaving more than 4 lakh people infected.