Summary reader response final draft

 Germii’s article posits that the ‘Whiz’ cleaning robot is able to increase public cleanliness while improving workflow efficiency. Repetitive, laborious manual tasks are now taken over by cleaning robots, while cleaners are sent for courses, where they learn to operate such technology productively (GERMii, 2021). With UV-C sterilization technology, Whiz is not only able to kill viruses and germs on floors, but also able to eliminate harmful airborne pathogens with HEPA filters and UVC light (Softbank Robotics, n.d.). However, there is still the need for thorough scrutiny of operating such machinery. It is crucial that guidelines and precautions are set when using cleaning robots. Excessive cleaning and poor regulation of cleaning chemicals used may cause respiratory disease and irritation due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals (GERMii, 2021). While there is still the need for human oversight, features of autonomous robots such as AI, UVC technology, sensors and cameras have led to an overall increase in the levels of efficiency, safety and cleanliness in the healthcare sector.   

Implementing the usage of autonomous cleaning robots in industries such as the healthcare sector where efficiency and cleanliness levels are highly valued, is advantageous. These highly intelligent robots are able to serve as both cleaning and service robots in the healthcare sector. Research and development of AI-driven robots have been catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the highly transmissible pandemic, there has been an increased usage of such smart robots since they do not fall ill (Holland et al., 2021). Cleaning robots such as the Whiz robot, are able to clean and disinfect surfaces within the hospital, keeping patients and nurses safe. Meanwhile, service robots such as Moxi, help reduce interaction between patients and staff, collecting and delivering supplies while nurses attend to more urgent tasks (Kyrarini et al., 2021). With a collaborative effort between healthcare workers and robots, this prevents frontline workers from being overworked by making full use of our means.

Whiz robots’ operating system, BrainOS, is able to memorize specific cleaning routes while avoiding obstructions and human traffic with sensors and cameras. In addition, the whiz robot has a cleaning coverage of 500㎡ per hour facilitated by rotary brushes and a HEPA vacuum, which are all controlled by the operating system (Softbank Robotics, n.d.). This allows for more efficient cleaning while keeping cleaners safe. Furthermore, Whiz robots are not only able to disinfect high-contact surfaces but also keep the air clean with UV-C sterilization technology (Zhao et al., 2021). With UV-C sterilization technology, Whiz is not only able to kill viruses and germs on floors, but also able to eliminate harmful airborne pathogens with HEPA filters and UVC light (Softbank Robotics, n.d.). Such technological advancements have become particularly essential, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years (AP.,2020). This not only prevents bacteria and viruses from being transmitted but also creates a favorable environment for the health of recovering patients.

With built-in AI systems, service robots such as Moxi are able to learn and remember specific rooms to retrieve supplies such as patient medication, lab samples, meals, and where they are to be delivered. The AI system also helps Moxi navigate safely by avoiding obstructions in its way. “A seven-DOF robotic arm with a two-finger gripper” allows Moxi to freely rotate its robotic arm to reach into shelves and cabinets to pick up objects such as packaged medication, while cameras and sensors attached to Moxi help identify and locate objects (Diligent Robotics Inc.,2021). Studies have shown that nurses spend approximately 30% of their time being away from patients locating and delivering supplies, medication, and lab results. All of which, Moxi is able to fulfill. Service robots such as Moxi increase efficiency as they help eliminate human error while allowing nurses to attend to high-priority tasks, such as patient care (Holland et al., 2021). Such technological advancements not only increase levels of efficiency but also alleviate workload pressure on healthcare staff.

Despite the above-mentioned advantages that autonomous robots offer, there is still a need for human intervention when operating the robots. Cleaning chemicals can be harmful when used excessively and should be regulated under strict guidelines. Furthermore, UVC causes the deterioration of blood vessels, tissue, and cells, hence it is crucial that the robots are operated under human supervision. Additionally, tasks that require human-social connection such as patient care, will be unachievable by machines as they lack social skills and empathy.  Hence, it is dependent on our creativity and competency to utilize the robots to our advantage and maximize efficiency. 

Reference List

Dilligent Robotics Inc. (2021). Moxi. Diligent Robotics.  https://www.diligentrobots.com/moxi

GERMii. (2021, June 1). How tech can ease the cleaning industry's Manpower Crunch. GovInsider.  https://govinsider.asia/future-of-work/how-tech-can-ease-the-cleaning-industrys-manpower-crunch-robots-germii/

Holland, J., Kingston, L., McCarthy, C., Armstrong, E., O’Dwyer, P., Merz, F., & McConnell, M. (2021). Service robots in the healthcare sector. Robotics, 10(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics10010047

Kyrarini, M., Lygerakis, F., Rajavenkatanarayanan, A., Sevastopoulos, C., Nambiappan, H. R., Chaitanya, K. K., Babu, A. R., Mathew, J., & Makedon, F. (2021). A survey of robots in Healthcare. Technologies, 9(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9010008

Softtbank Robotics. (n.d.). Softbank Robotics Singapore and GERMII launch a disinfection solution to sanitise surfaces. SoftBank. https://apac.softbankrobotics.com/apac/press-release/softbank-robotics-singapore-and-germii-launch-a-disinfection-solution-to-sanitise-surfaces/

Zhao, Z., Ma, Y., Mushtaq, A., Rajper, A. M., Shehab, M., Heybourne, A., Song, W., Ren, H., & Tse, Z. T. (2021). Applications of robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies during COVID-19: A Review. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 16(4), 1634–1644. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2021.9