A man washing his hands

A company in Japan has developed a monitor that uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) to ensure that people working in healthcare, food service and hospitality are properly washing their hands.

Fujitsu Ltd's invention monitors various hand movements to ensure that those washing their hands are doing more than just going through the motions, reports Tribune India. The motions the A.I. technology looks for are those taught by the Japanese healthy ministry. 

Not only can the invention tell whether a person is making all of the proper movements during handwashing (don't forget to get under those fingernails) but it can also tell if the person is using soap. 

Work on the device started before the COVID-19 pandemic and is inspired by crime surveillance technology used to identify suspicious movements that help suggest whether a crime is taking place.

Fujitsu doesn't yet know if it will market or sell the the A.I. technology, but did say businesses have demonstrated interest in buying the technology for the right price.

Handwashing to people in one nation might mean something else to people in another. Click here to learn more on some of the common handwashing habits carried out by Americans.