A passenger uses the contactless self-service subway ticket machine in Hefei. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The world's first contactless self-service subway ticket machine was put into use on June 11 at the Qichexi Station along Metro Line 2 in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province.

The machine can be operated simply by touching the space above the screen, with no need for any actual contact.

It used aerial imaging technology developed by Easpeed to avoid cross infection amid the epidemic.

Easpeed, a national high-tech company located in Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, has been a leader in developing the technology and expanding its application.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, it has developed contactless self-service medical machines and contactless elevator control panels to help with epidemic prevention and control efforts.