Smart devices showcased by LG at IFA trade fair

AT IFA, a range of new virus-fighting LG technologies, including an LG battery-powered face mask that doubles as an air purifier were shown.

Berlin, Germany: Berlin's IFA electronics fair is going ahead, despite a rise in the number of daily new COVID-19 infections across Germany.

But not everyone is attending in person - LG president and CTO I.P. Park appeared via hologram from South Korean capital, Seoul, during his company's press conference.

"I don't think you need me to tell you just how special the current circumstances are for our meeting this morning. Suffice to say that unprecedented has been our experience so far," he says.

Park showcased a range of new virus-fighting LG technologies, including an LG battery-powered face mask that doubles as an air purifier.

According to LG, the new PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier uses two H13 HEPA filters, similar to those used in the company's home air purifiers. The mask's case is also equipped with UV-LED lights to kill germs.

"It's got a very light, very quiet fan to assist your breathing, a breathing sensor that changes fan operation when you inhale and also exhale," says Park.

Park also showcased a new smart thermal camera that uses facial recognition and artificial intelligence to determine whether a person is showing signs of fever, one of the most common symptoms of the coronavirus.

"You don't need someone sitting behind a camera all day, risking their own personal safety because this smart thermal camera will alert the management automatically when it detects someone with high temperature," he explains.

• Park also touted the firm's germ-killing "Styler" clothing steamer and its CLOi robots, which have been deployed into several roles during the pandemic to help with social distancing.
• Aside from virus-fighting tech, LG's executive vice president K.H. Kim gave IFA visitors a glimpse of its connected smart home concept, called ThinQ Home.
• "By creating an intelligent a system of appliances and solutions, structurally integrated into your space, LG ThinQ Home solution opens up a whole range of new possibilities for your life," he says.

IFA electronics trade show is set to continue till Saturday, September 5.

The annual Berlin trade fair is going ahead, despite a rise in the number of daily new COVID-19 infections across Germany.

In total, 80 companies are exhibiting at the event.

Organizers are confident a range of new measures and limited visitor numbers will keep attendees safe.

(AP)