Robots equipped with UVC rays will disinfect surfaces and neutralize germs airborne exposure human dangerous!
MIT researchers have found a new way to keep public spaces clean, and avoid infection from COVID-19 and other diseases. MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), in collaboration with Ava Robotics , is developing a robot that can move around spaces autonomously and sterilize them.
The two manufacturers added a custom UVC light, designed by the MIT lab, to AVA Robotics' mobile robot base
They tested the prototype at the Greater Boston Food Bank , where the robot could move through the GBFB’s warehouses at a speed of about 0.22 miles per hour. At that constant speed, it could cover 372 square meters , or the entire warehouse, in just half an hour. In that time, it could neutralize about 90% of coronavirus particles from surfaces.
" As we drive the robot through the GBFB, we are also investigating new control policies that will allow it to adapt to environmental changes, and ensure that all areas receive the appropriate dosage ," said Alyssa Pierson , a CSAIL scientist and researcher
The researchers believe that such a method could be used to autonomously disinfect other places, such as restaurants, factories, supermarkets and schools. The system they are working with can map its environment and move between points and other designated areas.
«We have placed special emphasis on remote control to minimize the presence of human supervision and the risk of spreading COVID-19.»
UVC light is often used to sterilize patient rooms and other medical spaces. The MTA is testing it as a way to disinfect subways and buses. We've also seen it cleaning humidifiers and airplane toilets.
"We are very excited to see the disinfection robot helping society during this difficult time. The information we received from the experiment at the NGO has several algorithmic challenges. We plan to address them and expand autonomous sterilization to more complex spaces such as schools, airplanes and stores," said CSAIL director Daniela Rus.
