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LOGAN — A new high-tech machine that can check your temperature and whether you are wearing a mask is expected to keep businesses like ski areas open and events running safely.
The device will be used Wednesday at the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan.
Creator Dustin Hansen stood in front of a Firefly Power Display to show KSL how it works.
The device could be described as a fancy, high-speed thermometer.
"My temperature is 96.2," Hansen said, looking at the display.
"Please wear a mask," the machine reminded him.
"So, I'm not wearing a mask, shame on me," Hansen said. The machine strongly interrupted and reminded him again to get a mask.
Hansen went on to explain there is so much more to his Firefly Power Display.
"We focused on everything during this pandemic the last summer, everything contactless, digital and to keep people safe," Hansen said.
He wanted to find ways to make business safer and contact-free.
"It's all about helping the community out to stay safe," he said.
Hansen said it has other uses in the workplace. It uses facial recognition technology as people arrive at work and clock in, logging their temperatures and sending that information to managers.
"This is one-of-a-kind when it comes to the temperature check, interactive display, automatic hand sanitizer, employee management software – all in one," Hansen said.
The power display runs off Wi-Fi or 5G.
Hansen also runs Cherry Peak Resort during the winter and the power display will be there. He would like to see other resorts pick it up too.
"This is what's going to help us keep places open. It's going to help us, allow us to have events that we couldn't have because of some of the certain guidelines we're doing," Hansen added.
Hansen is not overly concerned that some might think it's all invasive.
"When people walk through, they get their temperature checked and then guess what? They don't move on to the event, they're so interested in everything going on about the machine and what it's doing to keep everyone safe," Hansen said.
There is a spot on the screen for targeted advertising, which Hansen said can be used to subsidize the cost for businesses that want to use it.
Hansen said there are about 30 machines in production and will be ready for sale in a couple of weeks.
