COVID-Bot: UV-C Based Autonomous Sanitizing Robotic Platform for COVID-19.

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Public Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective surface disinfection methods.
• Existing disinfection methods can be labor-intensive or use harsh chemicals.
• Robotic solutions offer a potential for autonomous and consistent sanitization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement COVID-Bot, an open-source robotic platform for sanitizing single-room environments.
• To develop a low-cost and easily replicable disinfection tool.
• To contribute to the global effort against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The platform utilizes a differential robotic base, RGB-D and tracking cameras, and three UV-C lamps.
• An embedded computer runs ROS-based control software for autonomous navigation and operation.
• Hardware components and software implementation are detailed, followed by system testing.

Main Results:

• The integrated system was tested to verify its operational capabilities.
• Tests demonstrated the robot's adequacy for autonomously covering a one-floor apartment.
• Performance was evaluated based on the UV-C lamps' theoretical radiation distance.

Conclusions:

• COVID-Bot is a viable open-source robotic solution for autonomous surface disinfection.
• The platform is cost-effective and replicable, suitable for various indoor environments.
• The system shows promise in contributing to public health measures against viral transmission.