Keeping healthcare workers healthy
Images adapted from: Chulalongkorn University and Matichon
With recent news of medical staff falling ill from caring for COVID-19 patients, the urgent need to keep doctors and nurses healthy is important during the outbreak. Chulalongkorn University is launching telemedical robots to help medical personnel treat patients without the risk of being infected themselves.
Keeping close but far
Image credit: Chulalongkorn University
The so-called “Ninja” robots are named after their colour and tasked with duties such as strip tests and blood testing through finger-pricking.
The CU-RoboCovid project is to ensure the safety of healthcare workers by keeping them from direct contact with COVID-19 patients and thus keep the number of personnel high when everyone is needed.
Its smaller cousin, the “Pinto” robots can move patients’ beds and deliver food and medicine to patients without the need for medical staff to be in close physical contact with the patient to monitor them.
Image credit: Matichon
The robots take up little space and are ideal for hospitals where big equipment would otherwise be problematic for working.
The future is telemedicine
Image credit: Bangkok Post
Prof. Supot Teachavorasinskun, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, is optimistic and believes robots are the future of Thailand’s public health system. Currently, the robots work in Ramathibodi Hospital, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Vachira Phuket Hospital, with more to deploy to other hospitals throughout April.
Also read:
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all things Thailand
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
