Light at the end of the tunnel - disinfection using UV light and nanoScan3

Sunglasses and sunscreen protect us from it during summer. For viruses, however, there’s no escaping it. We’re talking about UV light. As damaging as it may be for the skin and eyes, its destructive effect on viruses is very useful. That's why UV light is regularly and successfully used these days, in particular for the disinfection of rooms. And to protect humans in this application as well, some ingenious people have developed robots for the task. The Chinese start-up Youibot selected the nanoScan3 from SICK as a tried-and-proven solution for controlling mobile platforms.

While the hunt is on globally to find solutions for stopping the pandemic and possibly developing a vaccine, UV light is being employed more and more often for disinfecting surfaces and rooms. Companies all around the world are working on mobile surface disinfection solutions based on UV light. So too the Chinese start-up Youibot, which has developed a disinfection robot. The somewhat martial arts suggestive name “ARIS-K2 Virus Killing Robot” refers unmistakably to the most important function of this new development. But it also features particular “intrinsic qualities”, to which SICK as a partner has contributed in the form of the nanoScan3. These ensure, amongst other things, that the robot can carry out its work without actually posing any hazard to the people involved.

Multiple functions, mobile platform

Equipped with a nanoScan3, the ARIS-K2 moves safely around the room like a mobile platform. The nanoScan3 is the smallest safety laser scanner from SICK. It is perfectly suited for the protection and localization of mobile platforms. The ease-of-use of the Safety Designer configuration software and the intelligent integration options it provides were an additional plus point for the Chinese robot builders. They provide a high degree of flexibility and save time, including during the implementation of the disinfection application. “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to support Youibot in implementing this robot in such a short time. Using our nanoScan3, it is certain to navigate around safely on its disinfection rounds”, summarizes Benny Liu, the responsible product manager at SICK.

Comprehensive disinfection

In addition to the UV lamps, the mobile robot is also equipped with a thermal camera. This enables it to perform two functions: during the day the robot checks the body temperature of passers-by, and during the night it uses its vertically mounted lamps to disinfect, for example, empty production halls. “Its main applications include shopping centers, manufacturing plants, and any areas where lots of people come together”, explains Benny Liu. This fascinating robot is already irradiating factories, airports, and a hospital – a true ray of hope on the horizon. And with the nanoScan3 onboard, always on the safe side while doing so.

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