Robots helping to fight coronavirus

As countries around the world grapple with COVID-19, front line medical workers are deploying robots to help contain the pandemic


Virus-zapping robot: Moves autonomously around hospital rooms, emitting beams of concentrated UV-C ultraviolet light to disinfect surfaces

UV-C light destroys virus by damaging its DNA and RNA

RNA (Ribonucleic acid) carries genetic code of virus

Denmark- based UVD Robotics (above) and Texas-based Xenex produce UV robots


Telehealth
5G-powered medical robots with cameras allow remote video conferencing and patient monitoring to minimize risk of transmission

“Ninja” robot in Thailand


Patrol robot
Created by Chinese firm CloudMinds. Can check temperature, identity, and disinfect areas used by hospital visitors


Robotic arm: Developed at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. Controlled by doctors in separate room, arm can take mouth swabs, perform ultrasounds and listen to sounds of patient’s organs

 
Sources: AP, Tsinghua University
Pictures: Getty Images, CDC, UVD Robots, MDPI 
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