As the importance of handwashing has grown in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. in Kawasaki has developed a system that uses artificial intelligence that can judge from camera images whether a person is washing their hands correctly.
The system is expected to be useful in preventing infections in various establishments, including restaurants, medical institutions, schools.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry recommends the practice of handwashing in six stages: the palm of the hand, the back of the hand, fingertips and nails, the spaces between fingers, wrists and gently twisting each thumb.
The company trained the AI by having it study videos featuring about 2,000 different versions of handwashing in this way.
The system is capable of determining, with more than 90% accuracy, whether a person is correctly clearing each stage and has thoroughly rubbed their hands together 10 times or more.
For example, through a small camera installed in the washroom of a restaurant, the system automatically determines whether the employees' way of washing their hands is correct and displays "OK" or "NG" on the monitor to alert them.
Users can also keep a record of their results.
"[The system] allows you to objectively check the way you wash your hands, so that anyone can learn the proper way." said an official at the company.
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