Health & Wellbeing
Smart face mask connects to phones for remote calling and texting
The mask can also be used to take notes and can translate from Japanese into eight other languages.
COVID-19 – Innovators Respond
We’re tracking the most impactful and positive innovations related to the coronavirus pandemic. See the latest below or view and search our entire innovation database.
Work & Lifestyle
A bring-your-own cutlery set made from recycled CDs
A collaboration with singer Pharrell Williams has produced a cutlery set that could help reduce the use of single-use plastics.
Travel & Tourism
Airport gate delivery service helps travellers maintain social distance
A new partnership brings in-airport contactless ordering and delivery to travellers waiting for their flight.
Food & Drink
Pop-up ‘parklets’ can turn any restaurant into a pavement café
Small planters with seating attached could help restaurants reopen and make cities more user-friendly in the post-coronavirus age.
Sport & Fitness
Platform for cyclists allows for training and group rides remotely
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a digital racing platform has combined with hardware that makes any bike high-tech and stationary.
Retail
‘RecycleBox’ aims to ease shortage of plastic bottle closures caused by lockdown
First Mile and Delphis Eco have called for bottle closure recycling, with supplies disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Computing & Tech
System converts elevator panels to contactless
An Indian company has developed a cheap and easy-to-install system that will allow users to avoid pushing elevator buttons.
Retail
A robot deployed to combat spread of coronavirus in supermarkets
German supermarket Edeka has introduced Pepper, a robot that reminds customers to practise social-distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Food & Drink
An app for reserving spots at pubs and restaurants based on capacity
Increased socialising can be made safer by providing real-time visitor numbers alongside information about maximum numbers permitted.
Work & Lifestyle
Portable desk aids socially-distanced workers
Through an integrated handle and modular design, setting up a safe workspace takes only minutes.
Arts & Entertainment
Barcelona theatre replaces audience with plants
A mix of cheese plants, ficus trees and palms served as the audience for a live-streamed concert, and the plants were donated to frontline health professionals.
Work & Lifestyle
Pirate radio station helps seniors stay connected during lockdown
A new project uses retired radio DJs in care homes to help residents stay engaged and connected while isolated.