Virtual Reality meets UV-C

July 26, 2021

Signify helps Indian gamers immerse themselves safely in new worlds

You’re feeling the pressure as you drive down the Hockenheim track, the g-forces pushing you back into the seat as you steer ahead of the competition in your AMG. In another area your best friend roams a cavernous, abandoned space cruiser blasting aliens, while another is skiing in the alps. Before, when you walked in, you also saw golfers send a golf ball soaring into the horizon at the St. Andrews Old Course. Yet all this is in the heart of the city of Gurgaon, in India. How’s that possible? It’s simulation technology at its best.

Multiplayer gaming is one of the most engaging forms of relaxation and entertainment. After all, what better way to temporarily escape the real world than living out your fantasies as a demon slayer, rally driver, or even as an overzealous Italian plumber?

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, 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 enthusiasts. We all know, happiness is best when shared with friends and family.

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, how can gamers 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, Microgravity turned to Signify to provide a supplemental disinfection service using the latest UV-C disinfection lighting technology.

UV-C lighting is able to destroy the DNA and RNA of viruses, bacteria, and mold.¹ Operating at a wavelength of 254 nanometers, Signify’s UV-C lighting is able to inactivate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing 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. Philips UV-C disinfection trolleys are used to disinfect the surfaces and equipment in the 10,000 sq feet arena and this is done five days a week. The disinfection cycle is undertaken when there are no people in the vicinity. This is because direct exposure to UV-C light sources can damage the skin and eyes of humans and animals.

When I went to the arena, I was even more confident that they were making their best effort to keep the place safe and hygienic during these pandemic times."

Ishan Bhardwaj
Customer

In addition, Microgravity staff use Philips UV-C disinfection chambers to disinfect objects and gaming equipment on a regular basis. The chambers, which resemble microwave ovens, are easy and safe to use by Microgravity staff.

How has it gone down with Microgravity’s customers? Ishan Bhardwaj, a gaming afficionado summarizes it well: “When I went to the arena, I was even more confident that they were doing their best to keep the place safe and hygienic during this pandemic”.

Game on.

¹Malayeri et al 2016, Fluence (UV dose) required to achieve incremental log inactivation of bacteria protozoa viruses and algae

²Nadia 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.

About the author:

Donald Behlula

Press Office

Marton Kottmayer

Global Integrated Communications

For further information, please contact:

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Signify Corporate Communications
Neil Pattie
Tel: + 31 6 15 08 48 17
Email: neil.pattie@signify.com

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About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

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