HCARD – Robot to assist frontline COVID-19 healthcare warriors
Healthcare workers at hospitals are risking their life by taking care of COVID-19 patients round the clock. Probably with the help of a new robot – HCARD, the level of danger may be minimized. The HCARD stands for Hospital Care Assistive Robotic Device, this robot can assist frontline COVID-19 health care workers in keeping a physical distance from coronavirus infected patients.
The robot is developed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur. The device is equipped with various innovations, and it works in automatic as well as manual modes of navigation.
The robot can be monitored and controlled by a nursing cubicle with a control station having functions such as navigation, drawer activation for supplying medications and food to people, audio-visual communication as well as sample collection.
“This HCARD robot could be effective for frontline health care workers in close contact with patients infected with COVID-19 in delivering services while keeping required physical distance”, said Dr. Harish Hirani, Director of CSIR-CMERI. The whole robot weighs less than 80 kilograms and costs less than Rs 5 lakh.
The lab is working with the battleground to reduce the effect of COVID-19 through technologies
. As defined by WHO, personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely essential in avoiding transmission of coronavirus in the society, therefore the Institute has actually guided its resources optimally to establish PPE as well as community-level safety equipment for assisting the public at large and medical care institutions.Researchers at CMERI have additionally developed a few other customized technologies, including Disinfection Walkway, Roadway Sanitizer Unit, Hospital Waste Management System, Face Mask, and Mechanical Ventilator.
The Hospital Waste Management System was developed to counter any ill-effect of the mass spreading of infection through contaminated Hospital Waste. The lab has also developed a two-layered filter mask, which ensures considerable facial area coverage.
Author: Sruthi S
