The new technology, Tchk (Touch-less Keypad Technology), was designed and manufactured by Meta Touch, a start-up based at the UAE University Science and Innovation Park (UAEU SIP), which develops innovative solutions designed to support health and safety. Tchk is a touchless control panel that allows users to command an elevator without physically pressing any buttons, by simply waving their hands in front of the panel to indicate the desired floor or direction.
Abu Dhabi Airports’ investment in this state-of-the-art technology is the result of the airport group’s commitment to containing the spread of Covid-19 and ensuring that its airports and facilities remain safe and healthy environments for passengers, staff and visitors. The airport group is continually refining its health and safety procedures to enable a safe, smooth and seamless travel experience for all passengers, in line with the directives of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The installation of the new technology across our elevators at Abu Dhabi International Airport is a significant development in ensuring the safety of all our guests and travellers. This innovative technology bolsters the extensive safety measures our company has implemented as a regional leader in the airports sector.
“We are constantly introducing new solutions at Abu Dhabi International Airport to contain the spread of Covid-19 and deliver a safe, smooth and seamless travel experience for all our customers. We are particularly proud of installing Tchk, as it will reduce the risk of cross-infection by eliminating the need to physically touch any elevator buttons,” Al Hashmi added.
This new technology follows the recent introduction of CoDi BOT UGV robots designed to support with the sterilisation of staff areas, cargo facilities, and passenger aircraft cabins, as well SterixGates sterilisation booths designed to safely disinfect a person within as little as three seconds.
Other new technologies developed to contain Covid-19 at Abu Dhabi International Airport include thermal scanning cameras that incorporate the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, as well cameras with facial recognition capabilities and heat motion sensors to track the movements of people, including those potentially infected with Covid-19.
The new measures are being implemented alongside the existing extensive range of preventative measures in place at Abu Dhabi International Airport.