Germ-zapping robots join the frontline against COVID-19

These robots can destroy SARS-CoV-2 molecules in just two minutes.

One of Singapore’s leading hospitals is deploying a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19, with a set of robotic disinfection units now in use.

The Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots, marketed locally by Terumo Singapore, are able to destroy live SARS-CoV-2 molecules within two minutes, tests conducted at Texas BioMed have confirmed.

The deployment was initiated in March and will be on a trial period of eight months to evaluate the robotic technology as part of the hospital’s comprehensive infection prevention strategy. During the trial, tests are being carried out before and after the hospital's existing cleaning protocols, as well as after the use of Xenex LightStrike robots.

Kevin Seto, Managing Director, Terumo Singapore, said the "SureStrike 360TM" technology in the robots can deliver up to 4,300 times more germicidal UV pathogen killing intensity than mercury UV technologies. An entire patient room can be disinfected in just three five-minute cycles, he added.

LightStrike robots are marketed in Singapore by Terumo who are currently in talks with other hospitals on purchases.

"Hospitals, medical office buildings, hotels, offices, gyms, and many other spaces can benefit immediately from LightStrike disinfection as the global pandemic demonstrates the need for quick and effective disinfection wherever people work, play, or live,” Seto said.