With a huge degree of probability, it can be argued that you, like the vast majority of people around the world, are, to put it mildly, not thrilled that face masks are actually part of our everyday life. Without them, it is now impossible to go anywhere and visit anything until the global coronavirus pandemic comes to an end. But one way or another, now there is really an extremely high probability that very soon these masks can become more useful not only for protecting others, but also for the carriers themselves.
The fact is that a group of researchers from Northwestern University, together with Josiah Hesters, the creator of the Game Boy without a battery, managed to develop a FaceBit face mask sensor, which in turn is able to track a very wide range of health data, working inside the N95 standard mask. A device with a magnetic mount can measure many things, such as heart rate, analyzing “fine movements of the head while pumping blood”, and can also detect “leaks or poor mask fit”, which is intended to increase the effectiveness of its use. This technology can also help detect while wearing a mask and a myriad of other “conditions”.
For example, the heartbeat and respiration data that FaceBit receives can tell you when you’re stressed out, signaling you to take a break. It should also be noted that even though FaceBit is an electronic device, there is still a very good chance that you and I will not have to charge this same sensor. And despite the fact that the already existing working prototype has a full-fledged battery, the sensor uses the power of breathing, heat, movement, as well as solar energy in order to extend the life of the mask up to 11 days.
After all, the researchers who developed FaceBit want to make sure that the mask is battery-free. One way or another, in any case, it should be borne in mind that the FaceBit device will need to first pass clinical trials and many other tests before it is approved and ready for real use. However, the Josiah Heesters team has already released the project’s open source code and hardware information to the general public. This was done in order to help others build and test this very promising technology.
