The autonomous robot that has recently been installed at Semmelweis University is able to destroy the coronavirus while disinfecting its surroundings by emitting UVC light. The robot continuously disinfects the examination rooms and other areas of the university’s Department of Medical Imaging.
The autonomous robot procured from Denmark started to ‘work’ at Semmelweis University’s Department of Medical Imaging a few days ago. The device created based on the results of cutting edge developments, is one of the most efficient means of disinfection and the first such equipment in Central Europe. The robot using UVC light is able to inactivate any microorganism so far identified, all bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of COVID-19, in seconds.
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Due to its self-propelled characteristics, it has a high degree of mobility and automatic operation mode. After ‘training’, it cruises along the area to be disinfected avoiding obstacles in its path and thus is able to quickly and efficiently disinfect the Department’s corridors and its CT and X-ray units. The technology is environmentally friendly and can easily be integrated into the daily cleaning routine by its ability to inactivate pathogens. No human presence is required during its use so it can be sent into the so-called red zone as well, the most dangerous area for infection.
“The robot continuously disinfects the areas and examination rooms of the Department of Medical Imaging and is also involved in the disinfection of the whole Outer Clinical Block. The coronavirus remains viable for a relatively long period on several surfaces and it can cause infection through the air that is why it is important that the robot ceaselessly disinfect our surroundings. The procurement of the robot was made possible by the generous support of the Semmelweis University Foundation and the 77 Elektronika Kft.”, said Dr. Pál Maurovich-Horvat Pál, director of the Department. Almost half of the robot’s price, which is nearly 30 million forints, was paid by the Hungarian hi-tech company and the other part was financed by the foundation.
“We are proud that in addition to providing a seamless and continuous supply of blood glucose metres and test strips to the Hungarian population relying on our own production capacity, we were also able to help in other important areas of health care. It is a pleasure for us that this high-tech robot was installed at Semmelweis University.”, said Sándor Zettwitz, managing director of 77 Elektronika Kft.
“As the Hungarian distributor of the Danish UVD Robots ApS we are pleased that we delivered the first self-propelled disinfection robot in Hungary to Semmelweis University. We hope that we could contribute to the prevention of the coronavirus in Hungary and at the Department as well.”, said Zoltán Horváth, managing director of Európai Tudásközpont Kft., the Hungarian distributor of the robot.
Photo: Bettina Gál, Bálint Major– Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
