Since face masks have become the new normal, we've seen specialty masks for weddings, custom-printed masks, high fashion masks, and masks with political statements. Japanese startup Donut Robotics found a hi-tech way to leverage mask sales by making them translate languages!
The white plastic “c-mask” fits over standard face masks and connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and tablet application that can transcribe speech into text messages, make calls, or amplify the mask wearer’s voice.
“We worked hard for years to develop a robot and we have used that technology to create a product that responds to how the coronavirus has reshaped society,” said Taisuke Ono, the chief executive of Donut Robotics.
The mask is expected to sell for only about $40. Read about the c-mask rollout at Reuters. -via Nag on the Lake
(Image credit: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon)