This high-tech face mask doubles as what?

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, one technology company saw an opportunity to use its work to help people out. Using technology that they had been developing for airport robots, Donut Robotics created a face mask that makes it easier for others to understand what the user is saying. 

We’ve all noticed by now that in-person communication is more difficult when our mouths are covered. Donut Robotics’ mask is designed to be fitted over a regular mask and pairs with an app on the wearer’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The app can then transcribe the user’s words and even translate them from Japanese into eight different languages. The mask can also be used as a microphone for making phone calls. 

“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 Donut Robotics CEO Taisuke Ono.