The prevalence of pollen allergy is vast, attaining 25-30% of the population worldwide, and this number continues to grow. Symptoms include rhino-conjunctivitis, asthma and eczema. Plair’s Rapid-E system powered with artificial intelligence provides real-time pollen measurements together with other particle present in the air to better alert allergic population and improve quality of life. Rapid-E station integrates the Lufft all-in-one weather sensor to measure local weather parameters, which also allows meteorological services and environmental offices provide reliable pollen forecast.

The prevalence of pollen allergy is vast, attaining 25-30% of the population worldwide, and this number continues to grow. Symptoms include rhino-conjunctivitis, asthma and eczema. Plair’s Rapid-E system powered with artificial intelligence provides real-time pollen measurements together with other particle present in the air to better alert allergic population and improve quality of life. Rapid-E station integrates the Lufft all-in-one weather sensor to measure local weather parameters, which also allows meteorological services and environmental offices provide reliable pollen forecast.

Plair’s latest pollen measurement system Rapid-E was launched in June 2017. It will be applied by allergy professionals as well as meteorological and environmental services to warn allergy sufferers, research on developments and detect trends.

As the station’s rugged housing endures temperatures between -30°C to +45°C, it works even at extreme locations.

Rapid-E is an particle analyzer with artificial intelligence replacing the elderly model PA-300. It’s capable of automatically identify and count the most common allergenic pollen species in real time.

The measurement is based on a scattering and fluorescence technology. The highly sensitive, patented laser-sensing technology covers particle ranges between 0.5 and 100 μm. Thus it’s able to count and distinguish between even the smallest dispersed pollen. Besides, it informs on air pollution by determining aerosols.

The Rapid-E system can be operated remotely and doesn’t require a data logger as it transfers the data directly to the included online dash board PlairGrid. With this, users can view and manage hourly and daily pollen and particle data.

To respond to the growing demand for a more affordable solution, Plair offers this automatic pollen detection system also as a rental version. This new service will open doors to new and enriching possibilities for seasonal applications or for customers who can’t bear the costs at once.

All-in-one weather sensor from Lufft give further insights in particle distribution

The observation of air particles doesn’t work well without weather parameters. They help to analyze the actual and anticipating spread of particles.

Therefore, a Lufft WS501 weather sensor forms the top of the Rapid-E system. The smart sensor delivers data on global radiation, air temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, as well as on wind speed and direction at once.

As the Lufft measuring instrument includes all necessary probes in one casing, it was very easy to integrate. Also, we were convinced by its long-lasting and maintenance-free operation.

The first network of Rapid-E instruments is already running in Switzerland. The project is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), in collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss and the Department of Environment, Transport and Agriculture of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

About Plair SA, based in Geneva

Plair SA is a spin-off from the University of Geneva founded in 2014. We develop and manufacture professional, preventive environment monitoring systems operating reliably whatever the weather conditions.

Plair’s solutions can be applied wherever a real-time identification of environmental hazards is required. The range of detection includes allergens such as pollen, fungi, air pollution, and even bacteria.

The Swiss systems hold several patents and are supported by

• The State of Geneva through Fongit – a start-up incubator
• The Swiss Federal Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI), Venture Kick – a private initiative seeking to identify, structure, and promote promising business ideas
• The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne and Platinn – a supporter of start-ups, small
• As well as medium-sized enterprises in their innovation projects.

You want to know more about our solutions? Get in touch with us – we’re happy to help!