The use of robotics and artificial intelligence has been a key feature in the fight against Coronavirus in China, where the technology has been used for infection control, logistical tasks and support in the treatment of patients. Now a British-based organisation, MedAssyst, is bringing the technology to the UK.
The newly formed organisation believes that autonomous robots could provide UK Trusts with a safe way of tackling the threat of cross-infection within hospitals. The intelligent disinfection robots, developed and produced by a renowned AI and robotics company in China, are pre-programmed and can move completely autonomously throughout the hospital or department. The robot will systematically disinfect nearby air and all surfaces in any given area, and even return itself to a docking station when it requires a recharge.
It is equipped with three disinfection methods: ultraviolet, vaporised disinfection chemistry, and air filtration. Any combination of these methods can be applied depending on the space or departmental rooms to be disinfected.
The robot automatically calculates disinfection time according to the space and fixings and ensures no ‘shadowed spots’. Ultraviolet is a widely accepted method of disinfection. It works by destroying nucleic acids, rendering viruses and microbes inactive. When combined with air-filtration and vapourised chemical disinfectant, it forms an effective and powerful method of disinfecting and cleansing the surrounding air, walls, furniture and fixings.
Combining multiple disinfection methods with autonomous robotics ensures systematic disinfection eliminating human errors or omissions which are possible in manual disinfection methods.
Mr Li Maokun, President of Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine stated: “In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, artificial intelligence robotics technology is currently being used in Chinese hospitals, which automates other medical support roles traditionally undertaken by people, in order to further reduce spreading of the virus.”
MedAssyst is welcoming interested parties to partake in trials as a partnership to help drive and refine the applications of this technology in the UK. They can be contacted directly at enquiries@medassyst.com
