Role of Robotic Healthcare Technologies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is, without a shadow of a doubt, the deadliest catastrophe of the 21st century, and arguably the worst geopolitical crisis since World War II. Global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic began in the latter half of 2019. The application of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools, such as contact tracking apps, has made it feasible to monitor large numbers of people to identify those who are at risk and the locations where the illness may spread next during the current COVID-19 outbreak. The Phollower delivery robot, developed by the Slovak company Phontoneo and used in hospitals to distribute laundry, supplies, and drugs, is an example of the importance of the supply chain and on-time delivery during COVID-19. Drones, because of their three-dimensional mode of operation, are also being utilised as delivery platforms. Robotic disinfection can sterilise a specific area using UV-C radiation or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV). The public health demands have been adequately met by robotics technologies, such as the identification and containment of COVID-19, the reduction of healthcare workers’ workloads, and the simplification of communication processes. Thanks to AI and robots, progress has been made in creating a vaccine against COVID.