Preventing the spread of germs is a constant challenge in hospitals, care homes, public transport, office buildings, and shopping malls. To ensure that these places are safe for everyone, considerable effort is necessary to clean and disinfect rooms as well as frequently touched objects like handrails, desks, or elevator buttons. The growing problem of multi-resistant germs has raised the question of which disinfection methods are best suited to kill germs without causing resistance efficiently.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been the main driver for the market growth of disinfection robots. These robots use high-frequency ultraviolet light (UV-C), spraying disinfection chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorous acid, air filtering and mechanical wiping to disinfect surfaces. Combining these means can create a better effect.
UV light has the advantage that it instantly reaches all surfaces exposed to the robot. By moving around in a room, furniture can be treated from all sides - even in operating rooms - however some shaded areas may remain untouched and require additional manual cleaning afterwards. Sprayed chemicals have a better chance to reach obstructed areas but need more time for full effectiveness.
Level of distribution of disinfection robots
The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for robots used for disinfection. This demand has been met by a variety of manufacturers, each offering their own unique designs and features. The Danish company UVD was one of the first to introduce a disinfection robot prior to the pandemic, and since then they have released a new generation of their product and acquired a contract with the EU to deliver 200 robots to different hospitals in Europe. Other companies such as Metralabs, Pal Robotics, Altoros, Otsaw, Amyrobotics, Kompaï, PBA robotics, AIS and Rovenso have also developed robots specifically designed for disinfection purposes. These robots are equipped with features that make them suitable for use in both medical settings as well as public spaces. For example, some robots are equipped with infrared sensors that detect people in the environment and switch off the UV light when necessary. Others use weaker UV-C light sources that allow them to be used in closer proximity to people without causing harm. F&P robotics has even created a robot specifically designed for office use that is capable of targeting surfaces frequently touched from a closer distance such as handrails and counters.
GermFalcon, a company that has been selling manually pushed disinfection devices for the interior of aircraft for many years, has now equipped their system with an autonomous mobile base. This robot is capable of spraying disinfection chemicals in order to sanitize the area. Other companies such as Cyberdyne, Fybots, iClean and SMP Robotics have also introduced similar robots for spraying disinfection chemicals. In addition to this, former spray robots and drones used for agriculture from XAG have been adapted in order to be used for outdoor areas. Furthermore, some robots offer a combination of different disinfection types such as UV-C light and spraying (e.g., Keenon). Amyrobotics' robot not only uses UV-C light but also sucks air through its structure and leads it through a filter. Some manufacturers of floor scrubbing robots have added a UV-C light source (Nilfisk, Aziobot) or an additional tank with chlorine dioxide solution (Adlatus) to their machines in order to improve the cleaning result. Research projects are currently being conducted in order to precisely disinfect frequently touched objects using computer vision and building information models (BIM). Moreover, a combination of different disinfection means with mechanical wiping is also being investigated.
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies have quickly adapted existing robot platforms for other tasks (e.g., Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for transport) and equipped them with a means for disinfection. This was done to meet the desperate request from the healthcare sector or governments for tools to fight the pandemic.
One year later, disinfection robots have become a permanent addition to many robot companies’ portfolios. This shows that these robots have proven themselves and there is further need for such robots in our “new normal”. Disinfection robots are now being used in hospitals, airports, schools and other public places to help reduce the spread of germs and viruses.
These disinfection robots use ultra-violet (UV) radiation technology to clean surfaces without touching them, which makes them much faster than traditional cleaning methods. They also use AI algorithms and robotic technology to ensure that all surfaces are sufficiently irradiated with UV-C light. Some disinfection robots even operate autonomously, making it easier and more efficient for businesses to establish critical health and safety initiatives beyond just COVID response.
Disinfection robots have been a great addition to many companies’ portfolios during this pandemic as they provide an effective way of reducing the spread of germs and viruses in public places. As we continue living in this “new normal”, it is likely that these robots will continue to be used by businesses around the world as a way of keeping their customers safe from germs and viruses.
Cost-benefit considerations and marketing challenges
Disinfection robots have the advantage of being able to enter contaminated areas without putting human cleaners in danger. Furthermore, robots can easily withstand strong cleaning agents and are immune to the effects of ultraviolet light, which enables them to work continuously in confined fields. Additionally, robots allow more frequent disinfection than would be possible with cleaning personnel, as well as providing reliable documentation and helping to avoid human error.
Disinfection robots have a high potential for cost reduction when they directly replace cleaning personnel - for example, if large open areas can be disinfected without much human intervention. Robots also provide a way to overcome the issue of a shortage in personnel when it comes to cleaning tasks.
However, there are some cost-benefit considerations and marketing challenges that come with introducing such robots into businesses. Firstly, a company must decide whether disinfection robots will indeed reduce costs compared to manual labour or other measures such as UV lamps. Secondly, there is the challenge of convincing customers of the benefits that such technology brings - selling a robot on its own is not enough; customers need to understand how this technology will make their lives easier and help protect their health.
Overall, disinfection robots have an incredibly high potential for both cost savings and improved safety for customers and employees alike – but companies must consider these cost-benefit considerations and marketing challenges before implementing them into their operations.