Nordic Semiconductor announces that U.S. startup, WashSense, has developed a retrofittable Bluetooth mesh smart hand-washing monitor of the same name that can both monitor and educate users how to wash their hands correctly. The entire application runs off a single Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 System-on-Chip (SoC).

Designed to be installed above existing wall-mounted soap dispensers, the battery-powered WashSense includes an e-paper screen that activates once a user pushes the soap dispenser. Using thermal sensors, it is then able to monitor how well an individual is washing their hands while displaying customizable notifications and trivia messaging on the screen plus gamified instructions on how to wash their hands correctly, including giving a score out of 100.

WashSense says the use of such a device may increase how many individuals will properly wash their hands, and may help rebuild confidence in all kinds of organizations as they reopen their doors after Covid-19 restrictions are eased or removed.

WashSense is designed to be 'stuck' to walls instead of screwed into them, and is flexible enough to accommodate all buildings types from old to new. A Bluetooth mesh network is created between each Nordic nRF52832-based WashSense for wireless remote monitoring, over-the-air firmware updates, and uploading of the compressed imagery files to be shown on the display of each WashSense when in operation.

WashSense is one part of a larger Arsana Health platform that WashSense has developed to enable technology-driven intervention, prevention, and tracking of infectious disease through accurate hygiene and symptom-onset monitoring.

For more information, visit: WashSense.com or www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Low-power-short-range-wireless/nRF52832