How are Robots Helping Humans During COVID-19?

COVID-19 has been an eye-opener for many. The world knew the importance of technology, hi-tech gadgets, and robots, however it was highlighted during this crisis. Today, a large number of hospitals and other health care centers around the globe are using robots to aid both healthcare staff and patients. 

Robots have the potential to disinfect, deliver medications and essential goods, assist in border control, and other jobs that require caution. As the pandemic escalates rapidly all over the world, the need for robots is becoming more evident. 

Countries Using Robots

In China, the government has been progressively increasing the use of Disinfection Robots, UVD, since the outbreak of the pandemic. Also, many hospitals ordered a massive number of robots from Denmark’s Blue Ocean Robotics. These robots played a vital role in controlling the virus in Wuhan, which was the epicenter of the virus. 

In the USA, COVID-19 patients are isolated with just two beds per hundred people in the Providence Regional Medical Center in Washington. Robots have microphones, cameras, a stethoscope, and other sensors to help with treating patients in various hospitals. 

Other than hospitals, robots are being utilized by essential businesses, public service and safety departments to spray disinfectants. They are also tremendous for spreading awareness among the public about the virus and its prevention. Drones equipped with thermal imagery can also identify infected citizens.

A report of 120 press and social media articles suggested that more than 20 countries have been using robots during this pandemic. Ground and aerial robots are playing a significant role in all aspects of managing this crisis. 

Addition to the Workforce

Robots have proved to be a significant addition to the workforce. While every disaster has its devastating effects, the experience of using robots during COVID-19 presented a massively successful approach in this pandemic. 

Why do we need robots during this crisis? When disasters happen, there are often a few tasks that are beyond the capacity of a human being. This is where technology comes into play. For example, robots have been used in hospitals, during sanitization processes to preserve the health and well-being of professionals and workers in the public service department. 

They have been a tremendous support to the existing hospital staff and other essential service providers in managing this pandemic. While we do have talented and expert professionals in the field, robots served to be an extra pair of hands. They are more agile, faster, and better than human cleaners, and are efficient enough to help in delivering essentials to hospitals or any other place where urgent service is needed. 

The Scope of Robotics in the Future

The extensive use of robots during COVID-19 pandemic tells us that the healthcare system and other services will require more robots. The routine use of robots will not only make tasks easier and more beneficial for many, but are also a way for emergency workers and rescue teams to get technological help.  

There is a silver lining that indicates that the integration of robots into new areas will accelerate. After the world gets rid of the virus, economic and social restoration will become a priority -- likely with the help of robots. In the wake of this pandemic, pulling together government action, education, research and current technology is the key to combating future pandemics.