Ultraleap has introduced its TouchFree application to enable companies to retrofit existing kiosks and touchscreens, according to a press release. Using Ultraleap's camera module and hand tracking software alongside the application, touchless gesture control can be added to any screen to create a hygienic alternative.

TouchFree provides touchscreen emulation by detecting a user's hand in mid-air, converting it to an on-screen cursor, and supporting interaction methods that users are familiar with. TouchFree is designed to run invisibly on top of existing user interfaces without the need for modifications to existing interfaces and design, which means downtime to retrofit is kept minimal, interactions remain familiar, and the system continues to be easy for consumers to use.

According to recent Ultraleap research, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, 80% of people now think public touchscreens are unhygienic and locations are having to adapt.

"Our recent research showed that just 50% of consumers were likely to use touchscreens again," Steve Cliffee, CEO at Ultraleap, said in the press release. "TouchFree is the ideal application to retrofit existing touchscreen-based kiosks for businesses looking to encourage users back, maximize user interaction and ensure customers feel safe."

Ultraleap has collaborated with more than 20 global kiosk makers, brands and agencies to make the application real-world ready, including Cortina Productions and Intuiface.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the kiosk industry, click here.

Image courtesy of Ultraleap.