Getting groceries just got a whole lot safer
Introducing: The C.A.T.
Even during crises like the current pandemic caused by the coronavirus, we all need to go to the store sometimes, to buy food and other essential products. This is a major health risk though, as we are forced to touch unclean and potentially infected surfaces constantly. That's where the C.A.T. (Contact Avoiding Tool) comes in. This small multitool has a bunch of functions that will help you avoid touching surfaces directly with your hands. From opening doors and freezers to dialling your PIN-code at checkout, the C.A.T.’s right there with you. And best of all: it's completely free! All you need is access to a 3D-printer!
HOW IT WORKS
01
Download 3D-File for Free
Using the button below, you'll get redirected to a page where you can chose from multiple designs and variations of the C.A.T. There, you'll be able to download .stl files to your computer
Open/Close doors
Open/Close freezers
Lift certain products
02
Print the C.A.T.
This step will require access to a 3D Printer. Simply print out the file downloaded in the previous step. Don't have a 3D-printer yourself? Try asking friends and family!
Video instructions
03
Go grocery-shopping safely
The hard part is done. Now you can go out knowing you're a little safer from the virus. The C.A.T. should be relatively intuitive to use, but we have created a video tutorial anyway, which you can view below!
​
​
Push buttons / enter PIN
Add it to your keychain
Dual wield: push shopping carts
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAT
OUR STORY
We are 6 Engineering Students based in Zurich, Switzerland. In the context of our studies, and with the help of the Product Development Group Zurich, we launched this project earlier this year, after it became apparent just how much our daily lives were going to be impacted by the coronavirus-pandemic.
OUR VISION
The main goal of our project is to help as much as we can in the current situation, whilst approaching it from an engineer's perspective. In order to reach maximum impact in a short time, we are working on intuitive designs, and are opting for 3D files as a format, to avoid delivery times and cost.
TECHNOLOGY
Our designs are very simple in order to be as intuitive as possible. For that reason, there was no real know-how or technology required for this project. We used CAD (computer-aided design) Software to create models of our prototype, which are directly readable by a 3D Printer. It's as simple as that! There is cheap CAD Software out there, so if you are interested in doing something like this yourself, you can do so quite easily!
Let us know how we can improve
Any product can be improved, as can any service! If you have feedback regarding the C.A.T. or our website, do not hesitate to contact us using the e-mail adress below or by messaging us directly on Instagram @the_contact_avoiding_tool or using the chat function on the bottom of your screen!
Stay updated and help spread the word
Our Instagram @the_contact_avoiding_tool serves as everything ranging from our blog to our platform for guides around the C.A.T.
To visit us on Instagram, simply click on the Instagram icon at the top or bottom of this website.
We would hugely appreciate it if you could take the time to share this website and our Instagram-account if you like the C.A.T. and want to help us combat this pandemic, one multitool at a time.
Thank you for your support!