This robot quickly disinfects spaces with UV-C light.

Disinfecting spaces such as warehouses is especially critical during COVID-19 pandemicBut doing so while keeping workers safe can be challenging. So MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory found a solution: use a robot that uses UV-C light to disinfect surfaces and neutralize aerosolized forms of coronavirus.

Through a collaboration with Ava Robotics and the Greater Boston Food Bank, CSAIL mounted a custom UV-C lamp on an Ava Robotics mobile robot base. The lamp neutralizes about 90% of surface microorganisms, according to CSAIL. The robot is initially operated by a remote user and subsequently operates autonomously, and can disinfect 4,000 square feet of warehouse space in half an hour.

The robot works when no one is around, which is good since UV-C light, while effective at killing viruses and bacteria on surfaces and aerosols, is not safe for human exposure. Light machines that kill viruses have also been used to disinfect aircraft and hospitals.

The researchers say the robot could one day be used in other places, such as schools and supermarkets.