[Coronavirus] ​Seoul adopts autonomous robots to prevent cross-contamination at COVID-19 medical center

By Park Sae-jin Posted : March 13, 2020, 14:33 Updated : March 13, 2020, 14:33

[Courtesy of Seoul City]

SEOUL -- Seoul has adopted autonomous robots measuring temperature, sterilize negative-pressure wards and carry medical waste to prevent cross-contamination at a city-run medical center designated to treat patients infected with a novel coronavirus.

Seoul Digital Foundation, a think-tank funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said in a statement on Friday that Seoul Medical Center in eastern Seoul has deployed six autonomous robots to help medical personnel focus on the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The think-tank said that two robots deployed at corridors measure body temperature, two inside negative-pressure wards to sterilize equipment using ultraviolet light and the other two moving through wards to collect medical waste such as used hospital gowns.

Negative-pressure wards are used to prevent room-to-room contamination. The medical service robots will ease the workload of medical personnel by carrying out small chores without the risk of human workers being infected with COVID-19. Service robots assist human workers in hospitals and hotels.
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