Face Mask/Hand Sanitiser
Dispensing Unit
Recent statements by both the federal and state governments have recommended the use of face masks where social distancing is not possible. Further, in Victoria, face masks have become mandatory for those in stage 3 lock down areas.
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The introduction of our contactless face mask/hand sanitiser dispensing machines will assist governments to stop the spread of COVID-19, and additionally, assist with a return to the economic status quo by providing convenient access to preventative measures 24 hours/7 days.
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The implementation of face mask vending is not without precedent. In Singapore, the Temasek Foundation distributed free masks to all residents between June 29 and July 12 through a network of 1,200 face mask vending machines, the second such initiative by the government this year*.
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We are able to include digital signage capabilities within the machines to present visual campaigns in image or video that will assist spreading the message to the community.
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*Singapore residents can each get two free reusable masks from Monday
Features
This proposed machine version will be contactless- to the extent reasonably possible. It will carry approximately 160 packs of 5 face masks per pack (approximate package dimension of 225m x 105mm x 25mm). To purchase a mask, the customer simply presents their ATM/Credit card to the card reader, upon successful financial authorisation, single pack will be dispensed into the delivery hopper (the two horizontal slots near the base of the door). To maintain the contactless objective, the machine will only dispense a single and consistent product. While possible to dispense a range of products interaction with the keypad is required, thereby negating the contactless objective (for alternative contactless selection/distribution see list below).
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Product delivery assurance technology will be installed that detects the successful delivery of face masks to the customer. In the unlikely event a product does not dispense correctly, the sensors respond and the customers ATM/Credit cared is credited the previously charged product fee. Other fault detection and self healing mechanisms are installed to assure product delivery.
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To receive a dose of hand sanitiser, the customer inserts their hand(s) into the sanitizing zone, where a motion sensor will activate and dispense the requisite amount of gel or liquid sanitiser. The machine will carry a large bottle of sanitiser (as large as 5 litres: subject to validation of safety requirements) ensuring ready access. Any waste excess sanitiser that does not evaporate will be captured via the stainless steel hopper into a plastic waste recovery bottle. The pump mechanism is peristaltic, which means there is no contact between the sanitiser and pump mechanism (other than the hose through which the sanitiser flows).
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The proposed machine suits a wide range of locations, with physical dimensions of 650mm (w) x 360mm (d) x 1400mm (h).
It can be wall mounted, or base mounted on a bollard, stand or plinth.
Further Development
Further development could see the production of small or larger machines for broader applicability. Further, we have initiated contact with both the Australian Network on Disability and the Australian Federation of Disability Organisation to ensure the machine is suitable for people with disabilities.
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The preliminary design (as shown) ensures interaction zones are within easy reach of people in wheel chairs, but we require further guidance on suitability for those with visual impairment.
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Our machines are fitted with IOT telemetry devices that ensure the most recent machine stock levels available to us, so we can plan and undertake restocking accordingly. Out of service events trigger the dispatch of a service technician to return the machine to service quickly.
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The basic version of this machine can be battery powered, battery/solar powered or mains powered. We have a range of machines deployed in other applications that deliver over 3,000 products between battery changes. The addition of solar recharge will extend that further.
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To maintain the contactless intent, the machines will not be fitted with a typical vending machine push gate/ delivery hopper. The proposed hopper is an open design allowing access to the delivered product without contacting any other part of the machine. To aid in the prevention of product theft, carious internal sensors will be installed to detect theft events and generate alarms and notifications to our staff.
Advanced Features
Our company has pre-existing intellectual property in the deployment of digital signage platforms inside dispensing machines, capable of image and high definition video and sound. Government could utilise this feature to assist with the broad deployment of health related messaging to the community (or any other messaging for that matter).
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New visual content can be deployed within minutes through our digital content management platform partner.
Potential Future Development
This section outlines other development opportunities that would take more time to bring to reality, but are presented here for consideration and comment by government.
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Another possible feature of the machine under investigation is integrated temperature testing. Close proximity to the front door of high traffic buildings could allow the machine to provide it's normal features and benefits whilst also alarming when a person registers a high reading. This alarm could possibly be integrated into existing Access Control if required.
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Free access for health care card holders.
Should there be a need to provide face masks to health care card holders free of charge (or at a concessional pricing), we could work with our software partners to develop a solution.
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Contactless product selection.
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To make a wider selection of products available in each machine, contactless product selection could be developed, which may consist of:
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voice recognition
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contactless gesture recognition (flick/swipe motions)
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digital wallet/ QR codes
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image classification/object detection/segmentation
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Sale of advertising.
With a wide deployment of machines in high foot fall areas capable of digital signage, we see the potential to release the signage capability to outdoor digital media companies.
We would be happy to work with government to develop and agree a commercial arrangement where the government receives a return from any such revenue generation.
Australian Content
The vast majority of the materials and components in our machines are made from Australian sourced products and services. Our steel fabrication and powder coating is preformed by local suppliers with whom we have done business for many years. Our core vending electronics are designed and assembled in Australia, with locally developed core vending software. With such a high content of local product input, support and product longevity is assured.