Dubai-based Verteco wants to help people in the Middle East and Africa find vacant cubicles in toilets at airports, stadiums, malls and other busy public spaces.

The company has unveiled LooLights, designed to help businesses in the region improve the people flow and customer experience in their washrooms. The product uses lights to direct people to vacant cubicles.

By using IoT technologies, LooLights can accurately determine cubicle occupancies within washrooms at airports, stadiums, malls and other busy public spaces that experience high footfall.

The system is similar to the way a car park shows visitors where the available parking spaces are. Fitted above each cubicle door, LooLights helps manage people flow by showing green for vacant cubicles, red for engaged and blue for people of determination.

The occupancy data can also be displayed on a screen outside the washroom showing users if there is any availability. The system is connected to all washrooms in the building, so if all cubicles are occupied, the screen can direct the user to the nearest alternative washroom.

Real-time occupancy data that the system collects using sensor-driven 3D IoT can then be viewed and analysed on a desktop or mobile device, and business owners can use these insights to improve their operational efficiencies.

By providing companies an improved understanding of how their washrooms are being used, and what times of day experience the most visitors, cleaning can be scheduled more effectively. Management can then optimise their operations, save money and give their customers a better washroom experience.

LooLights is already used in airports and shopping malls across the USA and Europe. Now, businesses in the Middle East and North Africa from across a whole range of sectors can benefit.

“As the world recovers from Covid-19, washroom cleanliness and social distancing remains key,” said David King, managing director of Verteco for the Mena region. “It’s now more important than ever to monitor washroom occupancy levels and make sure they remain hygienic, safe and uncrowded environments. Introducing LooLights to businesses across the Mena region is a step forward to help organisations achieve the best possible hygiene levels. This has a modern design and a simple installation process.”

The LooLights system doesn’t require locks, latches or deadbolts to be able to identify when a cubicle is occupied or not.

“By improving people flow within washrooms, LooLights is empowering businesses across the region with real-time insights,” said King. “They provide a simple and easy way for businesses to enhance the safety of their washrooms, improve their operational efficiencies and save money. After all, clean and comfortable washrooms are key for maintaining repeat custom, positive sentiment and brand reputation.”