In a post-Covid world, it is important to keep customers, guests, visitors, and staff as safe as possible. To tackle this challenge, Havelock One, Admira, and Samsung have partnered up to develop Covid Defender. The sleek digital display unit incorporates AI and IoT technology to ensure compliance with recommended COVID-19 safety measures.

Covid Defender offers basic and optional features such as mask and temperature detection, capacity and appointment management, as well as social distancing control. An integrated touchless hydro-alcoholic gel dispenser and the provision of additional PPE, like masks and gloves, further enables safer access to shops, restaurants, clinics and offices, for example.

The standard unit is available in metal or Corian and comes with a 32” Samsung screen (1080×1920 px) and a thermal camera. Providing a SaaS (software as a service) platform, real-time data and display content can be easily managed from one proprietary app.

“Having decades of experience, working for clients in hospitality, retail, commercial and entertainment sectors, we have a great understanding of the needs around reception desks and welcome counters,” says Mark Waters, Division Director – Retail Manufacturing at Havelock One. “Collaborating with the Spanish technology company, Admira, and Samsung Display Solutions has allowed us to integrate their AI and digital display know-how and technology with our regional fit-out and manufacturing expertise.”

Depending on the size, material and integrated features, the list price of a single unit varies between EUR 2916 and EUR 5233. For bulk orders, discounts are available and further customisation like branding can be discussed, as the units are manufactured and assembled in Havelock One’s factory in Askar, Bahrain. Admira’s software licence comes at EUR 35 per month and a subscription of remote support and monitoring services costs EUR 25 per month.

Syed Kashif Akhtar, Group Managing Director of Havelock One, adds: “For now, the challenge is Covid-19. However, in the future, digital interfaces will play a stronger role in welcoming and onboarding customers and clients. We truly believe, that QR codes, NFC tags and interactive displays are here to stay. Therefore, investing into solutions like Covid Defender, makes our and our clients’ business more future proof,” Akhtar continues.