If there’s one part of the aircraft we all are uncomfortable using, it is the lavatory. And with the pandemic in place, using washrooms in an airplane might be nothing less than an ordeal. In order to reduce the worry and help travellers, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways is testing a new way. The airline is currently testing out a bathroom door concept, which can be opened and closed using an elbow. Nippon Airways was ranked the world’s cleanest airline in 2018 by the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
How Does It Work?
The doorknob has a prototype which allows it to open and close using the elbow. In addition, there’s also a latch that slides to lock and unlock the door. The creative concept is developed by Jamco, an aircraft engine parts and interior supplier company. The new concept is currently being tested in the ANA lounge at Hadeda Airport in Japan. At first, the airways first tested a new concept which allowed travelers open the door using their feet. However, the idea was shelved after taking turbulence into consideration.
In addition, some of the Nippon Airways planes were already fitted with sensor taps in the lavatories. The airline is also considering foot pedals to enable toilet lids and seats to be raised and lowered. Hands-free waste flaps and contactless faucets which use infrared sensors are some of the other new innovations underway.
As of now, it is unknown when the new doorknobs will be launched in the aircrafts. But, when it does, it will make heading to the toilet while onboard a much more pleasant experience. On that note, if you’re not up for airplane travel, Here Are 5 Weird Modes Of Travel You Must Try
That’s not all! Japan has also been taking some out-of-the-box measures to curb Covid-19. The country Asked Theme Park Visitors To Avoid Screaming On Roller Coasters. The idea behind the new rule is pretty simple and logical. Screaming causes droplets to transfer one person to another, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Besides, some park employees cannot wear facemasks at all times, due to their nature of work. This will in turn put them on a high-risk zone.
Japan Launches New Bullet Train That Rescues Passengers During An Earthquake
Japan has a history of most disastrous earthquakes in the past. The Tohoku earthquake of 2011 was one of the most dangerous one with 9.1 magnitude and nearly 29,000 lives were lost. It seems Japan has now found solution to this long term problem. The city now has a brand new bullet train that can save people during an earthquake. How cool is that!
N700S- The Magical Train That Saves People During An Earthquake
N700S is one of the best bullet trains Japan has produced. The “S” in its name stands for Supreme. The bullet train will operate between Tokyo and Osaka on the Shinkansen line, reaching a speed of 360 kilometres per hour. That’s roughly about 233 miles per hour. The train was launched on July 1 and was supposed to coincide with the Olympics 2020, which had now been postponed to 2021.
Meanwhile, here’s everything you need to know about Olympics 2020.
What’s Special About The Train?
The bullet train is different from all its former models because it has special in-built emergency systems. The train has a lithium-ion battery, equipped with self propulsion system. This system will help the train operate on its own for a short period during emergency situations like power outage. This in turn, helps the train avoid high-risk areas like tunnels, bridges etc, during a natural disaster. It also has an automatic control braking system which helps the train halt faster in emergency situations.
The train also has a facility where overhead compartments light up when a station arrives. This is to remind the on board passengers to carry their belongings before getting off the train. Also the cameras installed in each car compartment have been increased from two to six. Comfortable seats that recline further and softer inner lighting will provide the passengers a better travelling experience altogether.
First Published: August 29, 2020 8:47 PM