The possible future of your time at the airport is being shown off by Hong Kong International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photos and a video have been released showing new cleaning technology that includes a disinfection booth for passengers.
The 'CleanTech' is currently being tested by staff at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) who appear to unlock the booth via a digital face reader, step in, get sprayed and step out.
"Persons using the facility will have a temperature check before entering an enclosed channel for the 40-second disinfection and sanitising procedures," says Airport Authority Hong Kong.
"The interior surface of the channel is equipped with antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on human bodies and clothing by using the technologies of photocatalyst and 'nano needles'.
"Sanitising spray is also applied for instant disinfection and the channel is kept under negative pressure to prevent cross-contamination between the outside and inside environment."
HKIA is also trying out applying an antimicrobial coating that destroys germs, bacteria and viruses on practically every surface a traveller could touch at the airport, including:
- Baggage trolleys
- Seating areas in the terminal
- Automated check-in kiosks and staffed check-in counters
- Toilets
- Handles and seats on automated people movers and passenger buses
- Elevator buttons and more
The airport says it's also using autonomous cleaning robots equipped with ultra violet light sterilisers and air sterilisers to work in toilet and key operating areas of the terminal.
The 'Intelligent Sterilization Robot' moves without needing human assistance and is said to sterilise up to 99.99 percent of bacteria in the air and on surfaces around it in 10 minutes.
The Hong Kong Airport Authority says it's trialling the measures for a month before it decides if it will keep using the technology long-term.
Scroll down to see more photos of the new technology in use at HKIA.
