5G smart robots take care of coronavirus patients

Smart robots developed by Chulalongkorn University and AIS can monitor coronavirus patients in Thailand.

Chulalongkorn University has joined forces with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to develop smart robots with 5G tech to monitor and take care of coronavirus patients and those under monitoring for the first time in Thailand.

"We leveraged our 5G network in business districts for the use of smart robots to fight Covid-19," said Wasit Wattanasap, head of nationwide operations and support for AIS, using the technical jargon for the illness.

The robots were assembled by the engineering and medicine faculties of Chulalongkorn University.

The robots were developed by Viboon Sangveraphunsiri, a lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Supot Teachavorasinskun, dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The robots are used to monitor symptoms of the inspected groups and take care of the infected to reduce the chances of medical personnel being exposed to the disease.

The robots can serve as a go-between for doctors and patients or those being monitored. They can interact via high-resolution video conference with low latency, helping doctors to screen the infected and perform an initial diagnosis.

Doctors and nurses, meanwhile, can manoeuvre the robots remotely, lowering the risk of contracting the virus.

In future these robots can be linked with equipment, including blood pressure monitors, thermometers, pulse watches and electrocardiogram devices, to send health data to doctors for examination.

"Research funds will be used to produce 40-50 smart robots using 3D printing," Mr Wasit said. "Telehealth is one of the key sectors that will benefit and improve quality of life when there is a shortage of doctors and medical staff."

The robots have been deployed at three medical facilities: two sets at Rajavithi Hospital, one at the Central Chest Institute of Thailand and another at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital.