Improving Hand Hygiene: SoftServe’s R&D Demo

Why Handwashing Matters

Many diseases spread when hands are not washed with soap and clean water. Unwashed hands can transfer germs to food, surfaces, or objects like toys and switches, which then reach other people. Harmful germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth, causing illness.

Handwashing education has been shown to significantly reduce health risks:

• Diarrheal diseases: 23–40% fewer cases in communities
• Respiratory illnesses (like colds): 16–21% reduction
• School absenteeism due to gastrointestinal symptoms: 29–57% fewer days missed

For young children, handwashing can be life-saving. Diarrhea and pneumonia are among the top killers worldwide, and proper hand hygiene could protect roughly one in three children from diarrheal disease and one in five from respiratory infections.

AI-powered Handwashing Prototype

To make handwashing easier and more effective, SoftServe R&D, together with the Healthcare unit and solution team, developed an AI-powered prototype. It is designed for schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and other environments to educate people and ensure hands are washed properly.

How it works

The AI-powered system primarily uses a tablet with a camera to monitor the handwashing process. However, the technology is flexible and can also operate with standalone cameras or even smartphones. For the demo, the tablet can be held by another person or mounted above the sink, giving the user a clear view of the display while washing their hands.

Advanced AI and computer vision algorithms track up to 21 key points on the hands in real time, including fingertips and phalanges, ensuring that all surfaces are properly cleaned. The AI model analyzes hand movements and positions, comparing them to recommended handwashing flows. For example, the system can follow the 12-step handwashing process recommended by the UK’s National Health Service, including specific movements required to clean each part of the hands.

Steps three through nine involve detailed hand motions that must be performed correctly to ensure full hygiene coverage.

To reduce cognitive load and make the process user-friendly, the system does not require steps to be performed in a strict order. It evaluates two key factors to determine success: whether all steps are completed and whether sufficient time is spent on each step.

The device also minimizes contact with clean hands. Tracking automatically starts when hands are detected near the sink, and feedback is provided in real time. If a user removes their hands mid-process, the system displays prompts to complete the wash.

Positive reinforcement is built into the system to make handwashing both educational and engaging. Users receive praise for completing each step correctly, helping to reinforce good hygiene habits and make the process enjoyable.

Real-world Applications

The AI-powered handwashing prototype can be adapted for various environments and purposes:

• Healthcare: Supports healthcare workers in following strict hygiene standards and reduces the risk of transmitting infections to patients. The system can be customized with additional steps for complex protocols.
• Schools and kindergartens: Offers a fun, interactive way to teach children proper handwashing techniques, encouraging good hygiene from an early age.
• Restaurants and food services: Helps staff maintain hygiene standards, ensuring hands are properly washed before handling food.
• Home use: Provides parents with an engaging tool to educate children on hygiene and track their handwashing progress.

The device can be delivered in multiple forms depending on the environment. Options include a mobile app, a smart IoT device mounted near sinks or walls, or interfaces that use voice instructions or light signals instead of a visual display. Regardless of the format, the core AI algorithms remain the same, ensuring consistent and reliable handwashing tracking across settings.

Working Towards the Future

Proper hand hygiene is crucial for all public and healthcare spaces. AI-powered tools like SoftServe’s handwashing prototype make it easier to follow correct procedures consistently and provide a positive, educational experience. By adopting such solutions, communities can reduce the spread of illness and improve health outcomes effectively.

For a demo or more information, contact SoftServe today.