The Rise of Disinfectant Robots
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact public health globally, there is an increased focus on disinfection and sanitization practices to limit the spread of viruses. Hospitals, airports and other high-traffic public areas have ramped up their cleaning protocols using disinfectants and UV light technologies. However, manual cleaning also puts humans at risk of exposure. This has led to a rise in the development and use of disinfectant robots that can sanitize large areas without endangering human lives.
Advantages of Disinfectant Robots
Disinfectant robots offer several key advantages over traditional manual cleaning methods:
Safety: One of the biggest advantages is worker safety. Robots are not at risk of direct exposure to pathogens during the disinfection process. This protects cleaning staff and allows disinfection of areas suspected to be contaminated without endangering lives.
Efficiency: Robots can clean large areas more quickly and thoroughly compared to humans. They can sanitize entire floors of hospitals or terminals of airports non-stop without taking breaks. This improves overall disinfection turnaround times.
Consistency: Robots ensure consistent application of disinfectants like bleach and antiviral chemicals across all surfaces. The amount and coverage of disinfectants can be precisely programmed for each cleaning cycle. This leads to more effective sterilization.
Round-the-clock Capability: With proper charging stations, disinfectant robots can work around the clock without tiring. This allows cleaning of facilities even during odd hours to limit disruptions. Round-the-clock disinfection helps curb the spread of infections in a timely manner.
Remote Monitoring: Most modern disinfectant robots use sensors and AI to navigate environments. Their cleaning activity can be monitored remotely to track coverage and ensure no areas are missed. Remote operation eliminates the need for on-site human supervision during cleaning.
Types of Disinfectant Robots
Based on their designed use cases and disinfection technologies, Disinfection Robot can be broadly categorized as:
UV Light Robots: These robots use ultraviolet light sources on robotic arms or mobile bases to accurately target and disinfect surfaces. UV light is proven to eliminate pathogens by destroying their DNA/RNA. These robots are great for hospitals and labs.
Chemical Spraying Robots: Such robots precisely spray and mist EPA-approved disinfecting chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or antiviral spray onto surfaces using automatic nozzle systems. They find applications in sanitizing large public areas.
Autonomous Floor Cleaning Robots: Floor cleaning robots that are specifically designed to automatically scrub and sanitize floors using built-in detergent and disinfectant tanks. Hospitals are major users to curb infections via contaminated flooring.
Drones: Surveillance drones fitted with UV lights or chemical sprayers can sanitize hard-to-reach places like ceilings, ventilation ducts, or infrastructure exteriors. They offer a 360-degree non-contact disinfection solution.
Growth in Adoption
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of disinfectant robots globally as their advantages become more evident. Major hospitals, airports, commercial establishments and even schools are now integrating these robots into regular cleaning schedules. Some key stats indicating the growth in demand and use of disinfectant robots:
- The global disinfectant robot market is expected to grow from $200 million in 2021 to over $1 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 45% according to Allied Market Research.
- In the US, major hospital chains like UPMC and Johns Hopkins have deployed over 150 disinfecting robots since 2020 to curtail infections.
- Top airports like Hong Kong International and Gimpo International Airport in Seoul use robotic UV disinfection daily in high traffic areas like lounges, washrooms, and check-in counters.
- Leading robotics companies like Xenex, UVDI, Infection Prevention Technologies, and Blue Ocean Robotics have experienced 10x surge in sales of disinfecting robots during the pandemic.
Widespread Testing and Adoption
As disinfectant robots prove their effectiveness, adoption is expected to continue rising across various settings in the coming years. Several companies are conducting pilot testing of these robots across multiple geographies and use cases:
- The TSA plans to test UV disinfectant drones at 10 US airports in 2022 to sanitize airports’ interiors without halting operations.
- Hong Kong University researchers will trial autonomous floor cleaning robots with UVC lights in campus dormitories and classrooms starting early 2023.
- Boston Children's Hospital will deploy chemical spraying robots for fast disinfection turnarounds in case of a future health crisis affecting pediatric care facilities.
- Indian Railways has invited proposals to deploy floor cleaning robots fitted with disinfecting tanks in 50 major railway stations across India.
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