An Open-Source Modular Robotic System for Telepresence and Remote Disinfection
This work provides an open-source, cost-effective robotic solution for telepresence and disinfection, addressing the need for reduced human contact in pandemic situations for healthcare and public safety personnel.
This paper presents a modular mobile robot designed for telepresence and remote disinfection using UVC light. The system aims to reduce human contact during pandemics by enabling remote interaction and automated disinfection of environments.
In a pandemic contact between humans needs to be avoided wherever possible. Robots can take over an increasing number of tasks to protect people from being exposed to others. One such task is the disinfection of environments in which infection spread is particularly likely or bears increased risks. It has been shown that UVC light is effective in neutralizing a variety of pathogens, among others the virus causing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Another function which can reduce the need for physical proximity between humans is interaction via telepresence, i.e., the remote embodiment of a person controlling the robot. This work presents a modular mobile robot for telepresence and disinfection with UVC lamps. Both operation modes are supported by adaptable autonomy navigation features for facilitating efficient task execution. The platform's primary contributions are its hardware and software design, which combine consumer-grade components and 3D-printed mounting with open-source software frameworks.