ROBOMAK

A lot of work is done on testing kits and procedures but much haven’t been devoted on safety of healthcare professionals during specimen collection and processing of these specimens. We at Robomak are working towards the safety of healthcare workers during specimen (Nasopharyngeal Swab/Oropharyngeal swab) collection using light-weight robots. We are one of the 40 teams selected for Coronation Hackathon held recently in India.

Stage 1: Light-weight robots are received fr om the manufacturing facility; they are installed and tested under several motion conditions. The process was successfully done within 6weeks time from the time of placing the order.
Stage 2: The robots are to be tested for specimen collection (swab) and storage of samples. A system is developed for this purpose wh ere by it contains the robot and the additional equipment like the UV chambers and disinfectant sprays. Our preliminary test of robots confirms that the motion of robots can be operated and due to the prevailing lockdown, we are not able to procure the remaining equipment needed for the system. Once the lockdown is over, a working prototype can be done in a week time once all the equipment is procured.

Hospitals and Government agencies

Testing, Testing and Testing!! We have heard it from many government agencies and hospitals during these tough times of COVID-19. As of 23rd April 2020, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) updated on their website that 500542 samples from 485172 individuals have been tested until now. A lot of work is done on testing kits and procedures but much haven’t been devoted on safety of healthcare professionals during specimen collection and processing of these specimens. Owing to a delicate healthcare system in India, spread of infection to healthcare workers could create havoc in our country. So, we need to be proactive and vigilant in protecting our frontline workers from risk of infection during these times. The first point of contact for any healthcare workers happens mostly during specimen collection either swab (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal) /blood tests from prospective COVID-19 patients. There is a need for increased testing and in turn the need for rapid specimen sampling simultaneously protecting our healthcare workers.

Healthcare professionals are at the frontline battling to treat the COVID-19 infected patients and their safety is of utmost priority for any country. One major source of infection can occur during specimen collection either by swab/blood tests, automation of this procedure can help prevent the risk of infection rate for healthcare workers. We at Robomak are working towards the safety of healthcare workers during specimen (Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal swabs only) collection using light-weight robots. Our goal is to replace healthcare workers with robots for specimen collection and to operate them remotely to prevent the transmission of virus (contact-less). Light-weight robots are portable, cage-free and no-coding robots used in manufacturing industries for automating processes that are repetitive and physically demanding. Our robots do not need any caging as that of conventional robots as they are light weight (less than 15KG) and our software enables us to manoeuvre them without any coding. The process of specimen collection (swab) involves the collection and storage of specimens from prospective COVID-19 patient and followed by UV sanitization and disinfection of the robotic arm, the process can be totally automated and can be operated continuously.

Robotic integrators and manufacturers

Portable, no-cage and zero coding robots

The light-weight robot along with the accessories will cost about 8000-8600 USD. Other equipment like the UV chamber and the disinfectant sprays cost about 1 Lakh INR.

Risk of robotic manufacturers supply

One of the Top 40 Finalists in CORONATION HACKATHON INDIA
As published on online publishing platform "MEDIUM" - https://medium.com/coronathon-in/coronathon-india-demo-day-3-projects-updates-ff36b5d5dfe8