The results are in, and the winner of a competition organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a mask that could one day detect if a person has COVID-19.
Burzo Ciprian, a 26-year-old from Romania, designed the mask in three days, including Bluetooth technology, an air-filter on the side, and a temperature sensor.
The sensor would easily show the temperature of the person wearing the mask, allowing for quick access in stores, shops and buildings where temperature checks are required.
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It would also have air vents on the side that could be adjusted to allow more airflow when exercising.
Ciprian designed the mask for a competition organized by MIT's Pandemic Response CoLab to find the most promising PPE solutions.
He called his design 'the Social Mask' because it allows for better social interaction because of its smart features and clear material.
Burzo Ciprian's face mask design was one of three winners chosen by a committee of experts in new technologies, design and advance materials. /Burzo Ciprian/
However, it could take several years before the mask is a reality.
"I do not think that the mask will be available soon because some technologies are missing and maybe in a few years we'll have all the technology so we can design and prototype this concept," Ciprian told CGTN Europe.
When the mask does hit the market, Ciprian expects the product to cost more than $100.
Ciprian studied industrial design before winning this competition. He has also won a previous design competition held by the International Olympic Committee in 2016.
For that competition, Ciprian designed the gold, silver and bronze medals for that year's Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Video editor: David Bamford.