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HEALTH-VIRUS-THAILAND-TECHNOLOGY
Thai hospitals deploy ‘ninja robots’ to aid virus battle
BANGKOK, March 19, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Thai hospitals are deploying “ninja
robots” to measure fevers and protect the health of overburdened medical
workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak.
First built to monitor recovering stroke patients, the machines have been
quickly repurposed to help fight the disease, which has so far killed nearly
9,000 people around the world.
They have helped staff at four hospitals in and around Bangkok to reduce
their risk of infection by allowing doctors and nurses to speak to patients
over a video link.
“They can stand outside the room and communicate with patients inside
through the robot,” said Viboon Sangveraphunsiri of Chulalongkorn University.
Later models will be designed to bring food and medicine to patients, and
could also eventually be used to disinfect hospital wards, Viboon told AFP.
His engineering team is racing to build more “ninjas” — known as such
because of their matte black exterior — for another 10 hospitals around the
country.
Thailand has more than 200 confirmed COVID-19 infections, including at
least one death. More than 40 have recovered and been discharged from
hospital.
Authorities recently ordered the closure of bars, massage parlours and
entertainment venues to help prevent new cases.
New rules also require visitors entering the country to produce a health
certificate.
Officials have so far stopped short of imposing the full lockdowns seen in
other countries in a bid to contain damage to Thailand’s crucial tourism
sector.
But the government’s reassurances that the pandemic is under control have
not stopped bouts of panic buying in grocery stores.
Doctors are also urging Thais to stay home to curb the spread of the
virus.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1357 hrs