fbpx

Will Hospitals Adopt Robots Faster After the Outbreak of Coronavirus?

Chinese hospitals have already started relying on robots and devices for fighting the pandemic.
Will Hospitals Adopt Robots Faster After the Outbreak of Coronavirus?
Sparing the health of their medical staff, hospitals are starting to adopt news technologies to fight coronavirus. Source: Nikkei Asian Review

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of medical staff were put face-to-face with the risk of picking up the novel infection. The World Health Organization recommends people to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing – which might be mission impossible for medical staff, especially those assigned to fight the pandemic.

In other news – yet relevant – China bought industrial robotics for $5.4 billion last year, according to International Federation of Robotics. This is 21% more than its purchases in 2018 – whereas global sales hit $16.5 billion.

“China bought more robots last year than any country, and now is the time to put them to work.”

Rosemary Coates, Executive Director, Reshoring Institute

To keep up with the outbreak, hospitals have already started to resort to technology. Companies like InTouch Health and Zoom Video Communications have contributed to enable coronavirus patients receive treatment with minimal human interaction.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9eHQiWHBjg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Robots in Action

Moreover, Denmark’s Blue Ocean Robotics sealed a deal with the Euro-Chinese Sunay Healthcare Supply to provide hospitals with their UVD robots. The award-winning machines prevent and reduce the spread of infectious organic microorganisms in the environment by breaking down their DNA-structure.

“With this agreement, more than 2,000 hospitals will now have the opportunity to ensure effective disinfection, protecting both their patients and staff. We found the UVD robot to be superior compared to other technologies. In a very short amount of time, we are pleased to enter into a reseller agreement with exclusive rights to supply the UVD robots in China.”

Su Yan, CEO, Sunay Healthcare Supply

Whereas in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital introduced two homegrown robots to reduce the risks of infection by taking care of delivery. Equipped with self-driving technology, the robots can read maps, gather information, plan routes and deliver essential supplies like medicines, food and clothes.

If you see something out of place or would like to contribute to this story, check out our Ethics and Policy section.