Autonomous technology can provide a large set of benefits for not just a disinfection robot, but also other areas like virtual healthcare.
The standards for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are constantly changing, and have forced us to find innovative ways to deal with the increase in demand for disinfected spaces. One such solution is the rise of the disinfection robot. However, there are some key differences in how the various options for disinfection robots operate — notably, whether or not they are autonomous.
In this blog, we look at what we mean when we say a disinfection robot is autonomous, why it’s an important factor to consider, and how true autonomy in robotics goes beyond just disinfection.
Understanding Autonomy
Autonomy in robotics refers to the ability of a robot to perform tasks without human intervention. When we describe our OhmniClean as an autonomous disinfection robot, we mean, in the simplest of terms, that it performs the disinfection process on its own accord. It has the ability to navigate around any space and deliver powerful UV light to every surface in the room — all without the need for a human to manually reposition the emitter. This ensures that the entire space can be properly disinfected essentially by just pushing Start on the robot.
Any UV disinfection device that cannot move around a room on its own is not a truly autonomous disinfection robot.
It’s important to note that some manufacturers of disinfection robots claim that their products are autonomous, but they’re using a rather loose definition of the word to capture the attention of those looking for an autonomous solution. Any UV disinfection device that cannot move around a room on its own — thus, requiring manual repositioning for total room coverage — is not a truly autonomous disinfection robot.
Why Autonomy Matters for a Disinfection Robot
Whether a disinfection robot is autonomous or not can have a critical effect on your disinfection process. An autonomous disinfection robot like OhmniClean proves superior to stationary emitters in thoroughness, speed, and efficiency.
Thoroughness
Autonomous robots like OhmniClean are meticulously designed to cover every nook and cranny, ensuring comprehensive disinfection. This level of thoroughness is hard to match with manual cleaning, as human error and oversight can leave harmful pathogens untouched.
Speed
On average, an autonomous disinfection robot can complete its cycle in half the time of stationary units, mostly due to the fact that no manual repositioning is required. Also, they operate around the clock, without the need for breaks or shifts, allowing for more completed disinfections over the course of the day.
Efficiency
With less reliance on human operation, autonomous robots minimize the risk of human error, providing consistent and high-quality disinfection every time. This consistency makes for a more comprehensive disinfection. Further, the autonomous disinfection process lets cleaning staff focus on other pressing duties, maximizing their time without overburdening in a given shift.
An autonomous disinfection robot like OhmniClean proves superior to stationary emitters in thoroughness, speed, and efficiency.
Autonomy Beyond the Disinfection Robot
The prospects of autonomy don’t end with a disinfection robot. As this technology continues to evolve, it could be a boon to the healthcare industry in the form of virtual care — a field that’s rapidly expanding as accessibility and staffing become a primary concern for patients and providers alike. Autonomy in this context is multifaceted, but it could play a crucial role in meeting the ever-increasing demand for healthcare.
Integrating autonomy across multiple areas of healthcare would create an overall more efficient healthcare system, and set a new standard for delivering patient-centered healthcare.
Autonomy in virtual healthcare allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in patient care. For example, autonomy could allow for easier participation in remote physician rounds, allowing healthcare professionals to maintain a hands-on approach with patients from any location. This not only creates a dynamic and interactive virtual experience for patients, but also significantly cuts down the time spent traveling for face-to-face consultations. As a result, efficiency soars, enabling rapid responses to patient needs and the potential for more frequent visits.
Conclusion – The Autonomous Edge: Disinfection Robot & Beyond
The integration of true autonomy in a disinfection robot is pivotal in our post-pandemic world. OhmniClean stands out as a prime example of how genuine autonomous technology can revolutionize cleanliness and safety in medical environments. And even more, the role of autonomous robots has the potential to become increasingly vital in the realm of virtual care. These are just a couple of ways autonomy is and will continue to play a vital role in today’s world.
