Spanish scientists develop a device capable of detecting Covid-19 on surfaces.

A team of Spanish scientists has begun to work on the development of a portable device that is capable of identifying Covid-19 on different surfaces and materials. It will speed up and facilitate the process of disinfecting surfaces, and the people carrying it out, won’t be directly exposed to the virus

The Project consists in taking images of surfaces, both infected and clean, in order to develop this device with Artificial Intelligence, more specifically Machine Learning.

Given the small size of the virus (120 nanometres) and the lack of knowledge about its behaviour in the presence of light, it will be necessary to use optic technology.

This optic technology will combine multispectral imaging systems in the optic range and in the terahertz range.  

The prototype developed in the project will make it possible to minimize the risk of infection by creating maps of the areas of interaction and exposition to the virus.

TEDAX and NRBQ will be the specialists who will take images of the surfaces for the analysis, determining whether or not they have been exposed to the virus.  

This project has been conducted in collaboration with diverse entities, such as the Carlos III Health Institute, the University of Seville or the National Police. It is expected that it will take 8 months to complete its development.

Air Institute supports collaboration among different sectors, as in the case of this Project, so that through the use of new technology we can develop applications that improve the lives of our citizens.