What it does
Aira is a personalized device that monitors air quality and alerts users when levels may affect their health. It gives recommendations based on each condition, helping prevent exposure and supporting safer everyday decisions.
Your inspiration
Seeing how millions with asthma and allergies live in fear and uncertainty inspired us to act. Current devices show confusing, impersonal data and lack empathy. We wanted to create a wearable that translates invisible threats into clear, tailored information, empowering users to protect themselves day by day. Polluted air affects everyone, not just those with conditions. Clean air is a basic human right – and knowing what we breathe is the first step towards healthier living for all.
How it works
We have developed an intelligent preventive device that protects health by alerting users simply and effectively about air quality. It combines advanced technology with an intuitive experience, offering clear and useful information anytime. It features high-precision sensors: a VOCs sensor detecting invisible gases and toxic compounds from sprays and chemicals, and a particulate matter sensor measuring PM1 (smoke), PM2.5 (mold bacteria), and PM10 (pollen, dust, mites) in real-time. When dangerous levels are detected, it emits a discreet vibration to alert the user. The linked app then translates data into simple messages: “Wear a mask,” “Avoid outdoor activities,” or “Ventilate the room.” This system converts technical data into clear, actionable feedback, removing barriers and allowing users to anticipate environmental risks. It provides prevention, safety, and peace of mind, improving health and well-being in real time.
Design process
In developing Aira, we first conducted extensive research on respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, COPD and more, identifying their specific needs, dangerous particles and critical exposure contexts. We analysed existing products like Flow 2 by Plume Labs and Atmotube, learning from their strengths in compact sensing and real-time data, and seeing an opportunity for a more user-centred design, clearer data interpretation, and adaptability to individual health needs and routines. We explored formal and conceptual inspiration from brands aiming for a minimalist, technical aesthetic conveying both medical trust and consumer appeal. Early sketches explored wearable options for wrist, neck, clothing and head placement, prioritising proximity to the respiratory system and modular comfort. We modelled different sensor volumes, batteries and vibrating motors using plasticine, placing them on children's headbands to study weight distribution, ergonomics and comfort in real use. This allowed us to test ideal positions near the nose and mouth without causing discomfort. We chose precise sensors and microcontrollers to ensure accuracy and connectivity, guided by patient feedback for daily preventive use.
How it is different
What makes Aira unique is its ability to provide personalized, real-time air quality alerts in a compact, portable format. Public air quality data from TV or apps comes from centralized stations and doesn’t reflect each user’s surroundings or sensitivities. Most home air monitors are bulky, designed only for indoor use, and often integrated with purifiers rather than made for on-the-go monitoring. Portable devices exist but often use complex language or scientific units that make it hard to know if you’re at risk. Aira combines portability, instant detection, and user-specific alerts. It adapts to different positions and immediately informs users if the air they’re breathing is harmful based on their condition and sensitivity. It doesn’t just present data; it interprets it into meaningful action. By focusing on prevention and accessibility, Aira empowers people to make informed health decisions anywhere, without technical knowledge or bulky equipment.
Future plans
In the future, we plan to develop Aira beyond prevention into a tool that actively improves users’ well-being. Next steps include building prototypes for real-time air quality monitoring and enhancement. We aim to integrate advanced sensors and algorithms to detect pollutants accurately and adjust filtration dynamically. Our final goal is to create a user-friendly, adaptable solution that protects against poor air quality and promotes healthier living spaces through continuous air optimization. By achieving these milestones, Aira will set a new standard in medical-grade air quality prevention and well-being.
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