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ndegruchy
An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/
fainpul
And for metal surfaces which are not self-sanitizing by nature, like steel, there are coatings which can be applied to achieve the same effect. This is often used in public transport.
indolering
Citation? Microban et al are marketing bunk.
mahrain
The TiO2 will likely rub off and need regular replenishment. Also, the alternative here, sensor-operated or button-operated automatic doors are already widely used. I wonder who this is meant for?
RamblingCTO
Sounds like a problem not worth solving? In my wework the handles get wiped down as per the cleanign protocol. Takes what, a second? The costs are marginal.
immibis
Clicked away after 3 popups
GrowingSideways
Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
interludead
This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
kaffekaka
I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.
madmaniak
Hundreds year old technology used in houses, hospitals and public places - handles made of bronze.
ChoGGi
Why not a door you can push open both ways?
simojo
You have to let the engineers over-engineer. It's a healthy release.
billynomates
How quickly would this kill bacteria? If 3 people used it in quick succession, it would still transfer bacteria, I imagine?
cainxinth
Cool idea and cool looking, but just want to point out that surface transmission of infections is several orders of magnitude less common than airborne transmission.
yoshuaw
If we're talking sanitation tech: I'm personally really excited by the further miniaturization of (far)-UVC light sources [1]. Far-UVC lamps deactivate airborne pathogens, but cannot penetrate the human eyes or skin making them generally safe to use.

Right now they do require rather bulky lamps (Krypton Chloride), but last I checked there had been promising advancements in producing far-UVC LEDs [2]. Which should make installation and deployment of far-UVC both more practical and economical in the future.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-UVC

[2]: https://ece.engin.umich.edu/stories/ece-spinout-company-ns-n...

rendaw
One thing that I wondered after reading this, it mentions SARS but then it mentions killing bacteria, but SARS is a virus. Does this have any affects on viruses?
indolering
Bacteria are larger than viruses, so yes.
nickdothutton
I have copper light switches and other fittings and was interested to learn they have the same useful property.
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InexSquirrel
I was expecting it to just dispense hand sanitiser gel straight onto the handle.

I suppose this is a more practical take.

thenthenthen
Many public buildings and elevators in Hong Kong installed wireless controls, simply wave your hand in front of a little hole (ultrasonic sensor?) next to the floor button you want to go to. Curious to find out in which mall they installed this in!
hombre_fatal
Aside, it’s obnoxious how many bathroom doors in public places like restaurants require you to pull the door handle to leave.

It should be pull to enter, push to leave so that you aren’t fouling your washed hands on the poopy door handle.

Even dumber is when they have those foot operated handles to exit. Why is it push to enter, pull to exit at all?