Hirdaramani Group partner SLINTEC and CirQ to introduce next generation smart mask

From left: SLINTEC Research Scientist Anushanth Karalasingam, SLINTEC Research Scientist Venika Ekanayake, SLINTEC Research Fellow Dr. Kasun Dissanayake, SLINTEC Science Group Leader Vimukthi Jayaweera, CirQ Labs Founder Biman Liyanage, SLINTEC COO Heminda Jayaweera, Hirdaramani Group Director Aroon Hirdaramani, Hirdaramani Industries Sri Lanka CEO/Director Theodore Gunasekara, Hirdaramani Discovery Lab COO Thusitha Cooray, SLINTEC Technology Transfer Head Dr. Rangika De Silva, and SLINTEC Technology Transfer Executive Suhartha Weragoda

‘Hale’ is the latest addition to the list of innovations by the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), the leader in Sri Lanka’s Science and Technology research and development landscape with a number of innovations. 

‘Hale’ is a low cost, ultra-thin and easily attachable respiratory monitoring smart sensor that has been developed in collaboration with CirQ Labs – a high-tech innovation hub specializing in healthcare solutions. Hirdaramani Group is a leading global manufacturer providing integrated apparel design, production and distribution solutions to premium international brands.

SLINTEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hirdaramani Group recently in order to commercialise the ‘Hale’ mask sensor, which facilitates real-time remote monitoring of vital signs such as mask life, respiratory rate, mask fit, breathing pattern, etc., of face mask users.

The ‘Hale’ smart sensor comprises a graphene and nanotechnology-based sensing element with state-of-the-art signal processing and machine learning processes to capture and record the variations detected in inhale and exhaled breath characteristics. 

The Hirdaramani Group manufactures Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for the European Union and North American markets, which includes face masks. Incorporating this sensor to a face mask will create a value-added product where the smart mask ensures the safety of the users. The agreement signing celebrates the first collaboration between the companies on PPEs, and marks the very first high-tech value addition to face masks undertaken by a Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer.