Multiplayer gaming is one of the most engaging forms of relaxation and entertainment. Virtual and augmented reality takes the escapism and immersion of videogaming to a whole new level. These technologies allow gamers to actually ‘be’ the protagonists, and not only play like them. From the compelling storylines to the feelings of achievement when winning a match, VR is a source of happiness for many gaming enthusiasts.
This is where Microgravity, India’s biggest AR/VR experience center comes in. In its expansive gaming arena, friends and families can game together, taking full advantage of the latest VR equipment and technology. But with the specter of COVID-19 still lurking, players need to feel confident about their safety while playing in an area that is open to the public.
Microgravity set out to reassure its customers by using a combination of old and new-world technologies. Wanting to limit its use of powerful chemical disinfectants, the company turned to Signify for a supplemental disinfection service using the company’s latest UV-C disinfection lighting services.
The process
UV-C lighting1 is proven to destroy the DNA and RNA of all known viruses, bacteria, and mold1. Operating at a wavelength of 254 nanometres, Signify’s UV-C lighting sources are proven to inactivate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 .
In 2020, the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL)2 at Boston University conducted research that validated the effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources in the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2. Further tests, conducted by NEIDL in 2021, revealed that the UK Kent and South African variants of the virus were also susceptible to inactivation by UV-C light. These latest results bode well for the inactivation of the delta variant that caused widespread infections in India.
How is Signify helping Microgravity?
Once Microgravity’s customers have gone home, a specialist team from Signify gets to work. They use Philips UV-C disinfection trolleys to disinfect the surfaces and equipment in the 10,000 sq feet arena five days a week. The disinfection cycle is undertaken when there are no people in the vicinity and the Signify team is also dressed in special protective gear during the disinfection process. This is important because direct exposure to UV-C light sources can damage the skin and eyes of humans and animals.
- Malayeri et al 2016, Fluence (UV dose) required to achieve incremental log inactivation of bacteria protozoa viruses and algae
- Nadia Storm et al., Rapid and complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by ultraviolet-C irradiation, 2020, The UV-C irradiance used in this study was 0.849 mW/cm2.
