As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect virtually all facets of our lives, businesses are compelled to develop innovative solutions to maintain safe operating conditions and retain customer trust. This article explores a use case example for how wearable IoT technology can create a contactless environment that helps Royal Caribbean, a leading cruise ship operator, create a safer and more data-driven ecosystem. Passengers will be provided a connected wristband that focuses on passenger comfort, while meeting sustainability goals through refurbishing IoT devices.
“In addition to contact tracing for COVID, the smart wearable can serve as a room key, a wireless payment method, a depository of personal medical records, a location analytics tool and an instant messaging device so cruise operators can send mass communications to all passengers.”
As concerns regarding the pandemic persist, Royal Caribbean’s IoT project will contribute to assuring passengers that the relatively isolated atmosphere of a cruise ship will not be at risk for a rapid COVID outbreak. Additionally, the device will also assist the company in improving its understanding of how passengers move around on a ship. The recorded data can be used for improved planning, resource management, and logistics on future cruises.
Overview by Shreyas Shaktikumar, Research Analyst at Mercator Advisory Group
