PBA Robotics’ UV bots fight COVID-19 at HMI hospitals in Malaysia

PBA Robotics and HMI Group have deployed the first made-in-Singapore UV-disinfecting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) dubbed Sunburst UV Bots to combat COVID-19at two of HMI’s hospitals in Southern Malaysia. 

These hospitals are Regency Specialist Hospital in Iskandar Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka. Regency is the first hospital in Southern Malaysia to adopt this technology by PBA to ensure patient and public safety amidst the pandemic. 

The Sunburst UV Bots are built with an ultraviolet-C light module emitting powerful UV-C rays, which is clinically proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. These AMRs automate the disinfecting process, moving autonomously after the mapping of their environment is completed.

Using data from cameras, built-in sensors and proprietary software, the AMRs can detect, navigate and adapt to changes in their environments, as well as map out and identify the most efficient routes such as in common areas, corridors, wards, and other facilities in the hospital. 

When the pandemic hit, PBA and HMI leveraged their existing relationship and complementary offerings, to deploy the Sunburst UV Bots which PBA was already developing. Launched in May, the AMRs perform disinfecting more systematically and effectively, while ensuring the safety of frontline staff, as well as relieving the strain on labour resources. 

At the same time, the Sunburst UV bot is also equipped with safety measures — it is programmed to be able to detect when people are too near and shut off its lamp. While in operation disinfecting a room or area, the robot will automatically turn off the UV lamps if the door is opened before its disinfection cycle is over. 

“Our partnership was made possible through Scale-Up SG programme,” said Derrick Yap, CEO of PBA Robotics. “This platform helped us discover an opportunity to collaborate and meet our common goal of combatting the virus by rolling out the Sunburst UV Bots to hospitals in Malaysia.” 

Plans already underway to roll out more of the Sunburst UV Bots across other sectors, including public and private healthcare, transport, retail; other shopping malls and supermarkets, as well as commercial spaces, and other markets in the region.

“We have received overwhelming interest in the UV Bots from companies in various industries and markets,” added Yap.