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Malaysia

Robots & Drones Are Being Used For COVID-19 Disinfection In M’sia, Following In China’s Footsteps

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Current Affairs
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2 minutes reading time

Robots and drones deployed for disinfection

Robots and drones sanitise MalaysiaImage adapted from: DBKL

When Malaysian authorities released multilingual drones to monitor the Movement Control Order (MCO), the high-tech 2020 we imagined in our heads seemed to be finally coming true. 

Cementing us further in a futuristic movie, robots and drones are now being used to sanitise public spaces and hospitals against COVID-19 in Malaysia. Following China’s footsteps, these robots are the extra pair of hands frontliners need during this time. 

Robotic tanks to spray sanitiser

Robots to sanitise hospitals
These disinfectant robots are miniature tanks that have been repurposed with a disinfectant system. They were created by 7 individuals in just 2 weeks.
Image credit: The Star 

On 3rd April 2020, Bernama reported that Universiti Putra Malaysia (UMP) is developing 5 robots to help officials with nationwide disinfection, and they’re expected to be completed next week. These robots are also being prepped to help carry out disinfections, distribute food, and screen patients’ temperatures at public hospitals. 

As confirmed by The Star, these disinfectant robots will begin to roam campus grounds and Hospital Pengajaran UPM, a training hospital, next week in its first phase. There are plans for them to be utilised to disinfect streets and help out at public hospitals if called into action and provided with necessary funding. 

Robots in China
Disinfectant robots and heat imaging robots seen in China, which Malaysia is now taking cues from.
Image adapted from: Business Insider 

Drones have also been sanitising streets

Drones sanitising streets in Malaysia
Image credit: DBKL

According to this post on Twitter by the Minister of Federal Territories on 31st March 2020, drones are also being used to spray sanitiser at public spaces. Each of these drones are able to haul 16 litres of liquid at a time, with a 20-minute flight time to carry out its sanitation operations. 

Drones in Malaysia
These repurposed drones can spray sanitiser from high altitudes
Image credit: DBKL

It’s still being tested out for feasibility as lamp posts and electric wires prove to be obstacles, but it’ll save on manpower with its target areas being public corridors in high-rise buildings.

Disinfection carried out by robots and drones

It’s all hands on deck now. And robotic hands will help to minimise any human contact during this time. We’re thankful for innovative ideas such as these to keep public spaces clean. Not to mention, it’ll greatly help out those who already have their hands full on the frontlines.

Keep up to date with COVID-19 news in Malaysia here: