About Hetok

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw firsthand how my community struggled to maintain the heightened standards of hygiene required to keep people safe. Hospitals, restaurants, and small businesses in my area faced immense pressure to meet these standards while juggling limited resources and space. My motivation stemmed from a simple belief: technology should help people, especially in times of crisis. With this in mind, I designed Hetok—a compact, multi-functional sterilizer and heater specifically crafted to support these essential community spaces.

Hetok is built to be both practical and accessible, using durable, safe materials that ensure it can withstand frequent use. Equipped with a compact heating element and a precise temperature sensor controlled by an Arduino Nano, Hetok allows for safe and efficient heating of utensils. Its adaptable power converter enables it to operate seamlessly across different settings, while special slots hold utensils securely during use. The device also features a heat-resistant LED indicator to guide users and a high-quality UV light mechanism for thorough sterilization, allowing businesses and hospitals to assure customers of safe, hygienic utensils.

Each element of Hetok’s design is the result of careful consideration of the needs of those who would use it daily. I prioritized ease of use, reliability, and compactness, understanding that small spaces and time constraints were major challenges. By controlling production costs while maintaining functionality, I ensured Hetok could be offered at a reasonable price, making it accessible to small businesses and community institutions alike.

With Hetok, I aimed to go beyond simply creating a product. I wanted to provide my community with a tool to meet modern sanitation needs without added burden. It’s a way to contribute to a safer, healthier environment for those around me—turning my commitment to community into tangible support in challenging times.