This year’s CES is unlike other, not only in format, but also in products that are being highlighted. And one new area that is getting a lot of attention is high-tech sanitizing devices.
CES 2021 is the first-ever version of the show to be held entirely virtually since the COVID-19 pandemic left the organizers, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), no choice. But the Association, manufacturers, event organizers, and others pivoted quickly to bring forth a show delivered over the world wide web. And while we logically have not been able to see any of these products in person, the e-mail pitches have been coming in fast and furiously over the last few months.
With that said, here are some of the most interesting high-tech sanitizing innovations from the show.
LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier
This high-tech device is a face mask with air purification built in to ensure both cleaner air and better breathing while you remain sufficiently protected. It includes H13 HEPA filters, dual fans, and patented respiratory sensor that helps with breathing, minimizing air leakage and preventing eyeglasses from fogging up.
Weighing just 126 grams, it is made from medical-grade silicone. You can also buy the complementary UV charging case that will sanitize it after each wear, removing 99.99% viruses and bacteria. The case can also send notifications of usage history to the LG ThinQ app and alert you when the filter needs to be replaced.
There’s no confirmation yet, however, on if this device will be available in Canada.
Scosche MagicFogger Portable Antibacterial Sanitizer
This tiny device releases a fine mist of FDA-approved HOCL Electrolyzed Water the company calls MagicFog, which attaches to, attacks, and kills germs and viruses. According to Scosche, it is 100 times stronger than bleach but 100% organic, making it safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Intended for use in places like vehicles, homes, offices, schools, restaurants, and airplanes, Scosche says MagicFog kills 99.94% of microbes and is “highly effective against viruses.” It is powered by a 3,200 mAh rechargeable battery and has a refillable 1.5 oz. reservoir – it comes with an 8 oz. bottle of MagicFog, with additional 8 oz. bottles to be available for purchase on the Scosche website.
Set for availability in Spring 2021 in either black or white, it will sell for an MSRP of US$80.
Targus UV-C LED Disinfection Light
This disinfection light uses UV-C light to help reduce pathogens on device surfaces inside of the active disinfection area. Designed to sit on a desktop, the AC-powered light runs for five minutes, every hour disinfecting the workspace through automatic settings via motion sensors. If any motion is detected within the safety zone or directly outside of the active cleaning area, the UV- C LEDs will be automatically disabled and resume again after five minutes of inactivity.
The UV-C LED Disinfection Light will be available starting in Spring 2021.
Airthings Mold Risk Indicator for Wave Mini
This isn’t so much a product as it is a new feature for an existing product. Owners of the Airthings Wave Mini smart indoor air quality monitor can now leverage the proprietary Airthings algorithm using existing sensors and historical data to find out how likely it is for mold to grow in an indoor location.
Axiom Anti-Microbe ScreenFilm
Designed for cleaning smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other handheld game systems that can harbor plenty of germs, this self-healing hydrogel membrane screen protector has anti-microbe properties that help protect against viruses and germs. No frills: it’s as simple as that. The film protects the device screen against drops and scratches and helps prevent fingerprints. It can be used on standard device screens as well as curved ones.
“No one is happy about what is going on in the world,” says Mark Pauley, Founder and CEO of Axiom Armor, “but we are excited to be able to contribute to the fight in a very positive way.”
Utilimedic Namsung America UV8LED In-Car Phone Sanitizer and Charger
Odd company name aside (no, this isn’t Samsung), this sanitizer is designed specifically for use in the car, both cleaning your smartphone, keys, credit card, and other devices after you go grocery shopping or another public place, and also charging an inserted phone. It’s quite large so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you can deal with it sitting on your dash or in the centre console (it’s about what it does not how it looks, after all), it can come in handy for ensuring your devices are free of germs before you step back into your home.
Using UV-C light, it provides 360-degree sanitation of anything you put inside, eliminating 99.9% of germs, viruses, and harmful bacteria in five minutes. It fits large-sized phones, even with cases on, and has a vacuum-plated aluminum interior to maximize reflectivity. Four adjustable legs separate the phone from the chamber walls. Secure it in your vehicle using the removable non-slip silicone pad and keep it, and your phone, powered up via the two-outlet 12V adapter. The rubber cord slots on two sides enable wired charging and connection to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Additionally, you can place another phone on top for Qi wireless charging that works even when another phone is being cleaned inside. The device is resistant to sunlight, heat, cold, and humidity and safe to use with other gear, from face masks to keys, credit cards, pens, and more.
LUFTQI LUFT Duo Personal Air Purifier
Imagine walking around with your own personal device that can purify the air around you? That’s the idea behind the LUFT Duo, which is launching worldwide at CES. The idea is to keep the air around you constantly free or pollutants, viruses, germs, and bacteria. The device uses UVA LED and photocatalytic technology to get rid of dust, pollen, mold, and pathogens and a replaceable, washable filter. The company says the patented technology can decompose pollutants that are too small for typical HEPA filters, like formaldehyde, which measures 0.00001mm, as well as mold, VOCs, and pathogens. It produces zero ozone as it purifiers.
Because of the portable design of the device (it measures 77 x 77 x 98mm and weighs 250 grams), you can use it in the car, bring it with you to the local coffee shop or office, or even on an airplane. Activate the Night Mode to trigger the darker light that’s just 0.2 lumens and a quieter running sound of just 19 decibels, so you can keep it going while sleeping. It can purify the air in a 240 square-foot space.
While this device is arguably getting more attention nowadays than it would otherwise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was actually initially designed for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Buy it from the Indiegogo campaign page for US$149; it ships with a power cable, vent cap for a controlled air flow, and cup holder for use in the car. You can also buy a travel bag separately.
LG PuriCare Mini Air Purifier
LG is also getting into the mini air purifier game with its own handy device, which helps remove up to 99% of harmful substances from within your personal area. With a rapid clean mode and twin tornado dual fan, it is light weight at just 530 grams and low noise at just 30dB so you can bring it virtually anywhere. The dual inverter motors draw in allergens and ultra-fine dust once it detects contaminants, says LG, and the dual clean fans send out clean air.
Certified by Intertek and the British Allergy Foundation, it works alongside a companion Bluetooth app. The battery lasts for up to eight hours, so it’s perfect for a full work day or a week’s worth of hourly walks in the neighborhood. It has a four-colour smart display with a PM 1.0 sensor for real-time detection of ultra-fine dust. Refer to the display for details on the air condition, based on the colour (green, naturally, means good.) You can also view these details in the app. You can get a fitted holder as well for easily placing it in the car or even hooking onto the handlebars of a stroller to keep baby safe.
Moen Smart Faucet
Technically only a “sanitizing” product in that it allows you to wash your hands with soap and water without first potentially spreading germs on the hot and cold knobs, the concept behind this smart faucet fits. First shown in real life at CES 2020, the faucet can respond by voice or a wave of the hand, as well as via smartphone app so you can start and stop water and even set the temperature without touching anything.
It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for setting personal presets, like cold water for rinsing fruits and vegetables or hot water for soaking pots and pans. You can also set metered dispensing so you can fill a large pot to boil potatoes and tend to other tasks without worrying that it will run over, or get exactly one cup for your recipe. The app also comes in handy for monitoring water usage.
GoSun Flow Portable Solar-Powered Water Purifier And Sanitation System
Among the many new products GoSun is demonstrating (virtually, of course) at CES 2021 is the Flow, a portable, solar-powered water purification system that adventurers can easily bring along in a backpack. Use it while enjoying the great outdoors to filter out 99.99% of pathogens from water. This not only makes the water drinkable but also safe to use for handwashing, showering, and more. It can also be powered by a USB outlet when a power source is available.
For each GoSun Flow purchase, the company will ensure that two trees are planted through the company’s partnership with Trees for the Future. Get the purifier and pump in Canada for $254, add the showerhead for $356, or grab the ultimate package for $661, which includes a sink and heater as well.
Unipin Ultraviolet Disinfection Robot
Designed for commercial spaces like offices, shopping malls, airports, hospitals, restaurants, factories, and hotel lobbies, this tall, rectangular robot can disinfect up to 99.99% of pathogens in an area that’s 1,000 square meters of space in 100 minutes. It uses deep ultraviolet radiation to destroy the DNA or RNA-molecular structure of microbial body cells, thus sterilizing them. Set the time and place where you want it to run using a smartphone or tablet and it will deploy in the specified path, in either duty or customized mode.
It also offers real-time video monitoring, face recognition via a built-in high-definition camera, and can even provide body temperature measurements with thermal imaging and an abnormality alarm. The battery runs for three hours per charge and it auto recharges; there’s also a standby mode. It is already being used in the Beijing Capital Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.