Steelcase announced an exclusive agreement with Kontrol Technologies Corp. to offer customers in the U.S. and Canada access to Kontrol BioCloud viral detection technology.

Kontrol will offer its air quality monitoring device exclusively in the contract furniture market through Steelcase’s extensive dealer network. BioCloud provides real-time detection of airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2.

“Steelcase research shows that when people return to the workplace they will expect a greater emphasis on safety — citing air quality and adherence to safety protocols as top needs,” said Allan Smith, Steelcase global vice president of marketing. “The office can play a role in helping to mitigate the spread of disease and collaboration with Kontrol BioCloud will help our customers in their efforts to create healthy spaces for their employees when they return to the office.”

BioCloud samples the air continuously through a combination of three independent capture techniques. When the device detects a virus, it sends a communication in the Cloud or over local intranet, notifying workplace leaders in real time. With this actionable information, employers can take the measures needed to mitigate virus outbreaks in the office.