Baltimore-based MachineSense has developed an IoT-based automated body temperature scanning for use in public buildings.
 
The beta version of FeverSense is a low-cost, infra-red temperature scanning system that can be installed in the form of a gate or retrofitted to be installed at any entrance location for the automatic scanning of human body temperature. It does not require human intervention to hold a temperature gun allowing for proper social distancing and therefore making its operation safer and less expensive. Its high-speed scanning capabilities also allow for a faster process.
 
FeverSense can be installed in a gate or retrofitted into an existing entrance. The machine scans the temperature of each individual as they come close to the system. This records the body temperature of every person who approaches the entrance of a retail store, factory or office, and can be monitored and stored automatically.
 
The system provides an alert if an elevated body temperature has been detected, allowing the person to be identified and isolated effectively. Further, the system is aided with a mobile app for self-registration of people who have been detected with an elevated temperature.
 
“Local authorities could enforce immediate quarantine of high-risk individuals if such actions are warranted in a city or a county,” said the inventor, CTO and co-founder of MachineSense Biplab Pal.
 
MachineSense is running a beta test of the FeverSense with Novatec, a plastic machinery company in Baltimore that has been open during the state-mandated coronavirus lockdown due to its classification as an essential manufacturing company.
 
“The entire product has been developed from concept to production within two weeks using MachineSense wearable sensors with edge technology and 3D printing from Additive Accelerator,” said Conrad Bessemer, who co-owns and operates both businesses. Bessemer is also a co-owner of Novatec, and is well known in the plastics industry.
 
Versions of a similar product to use in personal homes are planned.
 
“In the at-home version, infra-red technology will trigger an automatic doorbell alert that would sense if a person is standing outside, avoiding the need to touch a doorbell,” said Pal. “The system would alert the homeowner if the guest has an elevated temperature.
 
MachineSense has applied for a patent for the innovation that “will deliver low cost, faster scanning of infra-red body temperatures which many believe will be a game changer in slowing down any epidemic by isolating the people with a fever from public places”, Pal said.
 
Headquartered in Baltimore, with company-owned R&D facilities in Kolkata, India, MachineSense has developed a patented industrial IoT system for predictive and prescriptive maintenance of machines, using electricity and vibration analytics. The company builds IIoT platforms for factory and building utilities that include electricity, compressed air, water, HVAC and vacuum.