Technologies That will Manage Social Distancing

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

The reopening of shopping malls is now under consideration in Israel and the world, with various safety limitations, after a prolonged closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to a new routine characterized by social distancing will be based on the use of innovative technologies, including applications that will supply real-time data.

A smartphone app developed by US-based SocialSmart for both the iPhone and Android operating systems uses anonymous bluetooth technology to monitor the social distancing habits of its users and, via a unique algorithm, inform users of their social distancing success by measuring the quantity and quality of each user’s social interactions, according to aithority.com.

The app, which will be free of charge to download, adds a layer of social distancing data so individuals, families and communities can make more intelligent social distancing decisions. The app can accurately track how many people a user socializes with during the day (inside a distance of 10 feet) as well as the duration of the interaction.

It then compiles a real-time user score based on his or her interactions, giving the user a simple touchpoint to either maintain or improve their social distancing habits.

The company claims that the use of bluetooth technology is more precise, accurate and effective than relying on GPS systems or traditional cell towers, and in order to ensure privacy for its users, it does not require any personal information to download and activate the app. Each user’s identity remains anonymous and will not be shared with any third party. 

Another free app developed by London School of Economics (LSE) students and alumni was designed to help people make informed decisions about visiting essential locations such as supermarkets. 

Using AI technology and crowdsourced information, Crowdless app provides users with real-time updates on the busyness of certain key locations.

The prototype for Crowdless was developed in just three days by the group who run UK start-up company Lanterne. The app can be found on both the Apple and Google app stores, reports lse.ac.uk. 

Holovis has developed a new social distancing app for the operators of themed entertainment destinations. Crowd Solo includes reservation and queue-management tools with proximity alerts, allowing operators to get a real-time overview of guest movements and to avoid crowd hotspots forming.

The company will be making the new app free to all single ticket admission destinations, including theme parks, zoos, museums and cultural centers, according to blooloop.com. The app is powered by a data analytics engine. It shows the movements of guests, allowing attractions to keep an eye on crowd hotspots in real-time through heatmap data, helping operators to manage their venues safely and effectively.