The robot is remotely controlled within a 200-meter range and is capable of operating continuously for four hours while carrying a maximum load of 100kg of requirements.
Dong Nai Youth Union, as the institution responsible for administering and coordinating all volunteer support operations in Dong Nai province aimed at preventing the COVID-19 outbreak, recognizes that the frequency of patient contact and the danger of infection are increasing. The risk of infection spreading from patients to volunteers fighting the epidemic and providing essentials is high, which is why they "ordered" lecturers and students from Lac Hong University's Faculty of Mechatronics and Electronics.
Image 1- Robots bring essentials into zones of isolation and blockage
On August 6, the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union collaborated with the Lac Hong University's Faculty of Mechatronics and Electronics to conduct a test run of a robot capable of spraying disinfectants and transferring needs into isolation areas. The robot was created and built by Lac Hong University teachers and students using equipment and supplies sourced from multiple telecommunications and precision mechanics units throughout Dong Nai province.
Lac Hong University has completed the delivery of the first of 15 delivery robots requested by the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union. Volunteers from the Provincial Youth Union employed this robot to distribute essentials to those living in quarantine regions.
Image 2- A delivery robot — a product of Lac Hong University – transports necessities
Mr. Ho Hong Nguyen, Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union, explained that the Provincial Youth Union and Lac Hong University collaborated since some people on the front lines of the epidemic's struggle were infected. As a result, implementing this technology will assist in mitigating dangers for individuals who come into direct contact with F0, isolation, and blockade zones.
The robot is powered by two motors on the rear wheel, has a remote-control range of 200 meters, and is equipped with a direct microphone connection by WiFi or 3G. With dimensions of 890mm wide x 1,250mm long x 790mm high, they charge in four hours and operate continuously for three to four hours, transporting a mass of 100kg of products on level terrain. The robot's completion will cost 60 million VND and will take seven days to finish.
Robots do the following tasks:
- 👉Transporting essentials in remote regions.
- 👉 A sound system for summoning the householder to receive the items, as well as a surveillance camera for distributing the appropriate objects.
👉 Spray disinfectant.
Image 3- The robot that transport necessities in the isolation area
MSc. Le Hoang Anh, deputy dean of Lac Hong University's Faculty of Mechatronics and Electronics, stated: "COVID-19 is still a very complicated pandemic, and the number of cases is increasing, which means that volunteers must put in a lot of effort. As a result, the frequency of contact with F0s increases, significantly increasing the risk of infection. The Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union has requested that Lac Hong University create this robot to take the place of humans bringing essentials into isolation rooms for patients."
According to Mr. Le Hoang Anh, the robot is equipped with a camera for direction recognition and a speaker for announcements and information transmission. The operator can remind and notify patients about the upcoming delivery of supplies. Therefore, come and claim your rightful share.
Additionally, this robot can take up the task of cleansing and spraying disinfectant in areas with diseases. As a result, it can perform those tasks on behalf of individuals, so contributing to the safety of volunteers during epidemic season.
Nguyen Phan Xuan Khuong, a third-year student at the Faculty of Mechatronics and Electronics, explained: "The most major challenge in completing this research is obtaining equipment. Due to Directive 16 approval from the government, all mechanical stores are closed. My members must phone and explain why they need to purchase parts.
Occasionally, you will need to enter places with F0 and F1 to obtain mechanical specifics. Additionally concerned, but the Provincial Youth Union, instructors, and police officials stationed at anti-epidemic checkpoints. After seven days, the team created this robot to assist the frontline by performing some tasks in place of humans.”
Currently, this medication is used in isolation and blockade zones to ensure the carrier's safety and to contain infection. Numerous features have been added to the product. Version 2 is now available.
Distribute widely
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice President of Lac Hong University, this robot is quite large and is best suited to isolated locations, hostels, and flat terrain. As a result, the implementation team is redesigning it to be more compact and adaptable for use in field hospitals and COVID-19 treatment locations.
Currently, the school has placed an order for components to create further robots, with at least 20 of them being used to fulfil orders from the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union and other units.
"The group's present challenge is that it is exceedingly difficult to process and acquire materials and components due to the group being in a phase of social estrangement. This initial robot design drawing is also available to any unit that wishes to use it. If you use it, you can download additional copies to help the community "Quynh explained.
Increased usage of vital delivery robots in quarantine zones
Mr. Ho Hong Nguyen, Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union, stated in this regard: "Robots are intended to mitigate hazards for volunteers serving in quarantined regions." Following testing, the Provincial Youth Union aims to collaborate with the Department of Health and other departments to bring this robot to wider usage in isolated locations and sales points via technology transfer.
