Design and development of a hybrid aerial and ground robotic solution for environmental disinfection using ultra-violet radiation

Surface sanitization in public environments is of critical importance to reduce and limit the spread of pathogens such as covid-19. Studies show the RNA of the coronavirus can persist on a surface from few hours to a few days depending on the type of the surface. Hospitals, grocery stores, public transport vehicles, airports and airplanes are among places where continuous cleaning of different surfaces is required; however, the current methods such as manual cleaning with disinfectant wipes are limited in frequency and effectiveness. The problem is further exacerbated considering the high risk to the staff and shortage of supplies. Ultra-violet irradiation is a proven disinfection technology to inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA/RNA. In this project, we aim to take advantage of autonomous aerial and ground solutions to improve the agility of the disinfection process of public environments. To achieve this, we will design and develop unmanned aerial and ground vehicles capable of carrying UV emission devices that operate cooperatively and autonomously to disinfect indoor environments. The outcome of this project will significantly reduce the community spread of the covid-19 by increasing the frequency and efficiency of surface disinfection in high-risk public environments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shahriar Mirabbasi

Student:

Alex Dee;Haoqing Yang

Partner:

Avestec Technologies Inc

Discipline:

Sector:

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Accelerate