Automated robotic systems and methods for sanitization and disinfection

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include an autonomous robotic system and method for disinfecting an environment. The autonomous disinfection system includes a first unit including a first plurality of UV-C lamps mounted in a housing to a first wireless base including a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the first unit further includes a docking port for a second unit including a second plurality of UV-C lamps mounted to a second wireless base, and a motion sensor configured to transmit a signal to a processing unit included in the autonomous disinfection system, the processing unit being configured to shut down the system upon receiving a signal indicative of detected motion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] background 1. Field of the invention The present invention relates generally to intelligent automated robotic systems and methods for cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing and disinfecting environments. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Technology A hospital-acquired infection or hospital-acquired infection is an infection contracted by a patient in a health care environment that was not present or ongoing at the time the patient was admitted. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) occur in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospital wards, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, physician offices, or community health centers. HAIs can be transmitted from one patient to another through direct or indirect contact. Although person-to-person contact is an important form of transmission, contaminated surfaces in institutional health care environments can contribute to the transmission of microorganisms that cause deadly HAIs. Viruses and bacteria can survive for long periods on surfaces and can grow on many objects, such as bed rails, call buttons, telephones, door handles, mattresses, bathroom fixtures, and chairs. For example, some of the most common HAIs, such as C. difficile spores, can survive up to five months in health care environments, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can survive for weeks to months on dry surfaces.

[0003] According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in U.S. hospitals alone, HAIs account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 related deaths each year. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention attempt to significantly reduce these numbers and prevent HAIs, promoting a safe and healthy environment worldwide.

[0005] There remains a need for systems and methods that can ensure a clean, sterile, and sanitized environment. Particularly in health care centers, there remains a further need to ensure that discharged patients do not readmit themselves to hospital for infections they contracted at the very health care center they were intended to cure. There also remains a need for systems and methods that kill airborne and droplet-borne viral and bacterial pathogens that cause dangerous and deadly diseases in public and private environments. The disclosed embodiments address just such a need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview The autonomous disinfection system comprises a housing and a first unit including a first plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a first wireless base including a plurality of wheels and contained within the housing. Preferably, the first unit further comprises a docking port for a second unit including a second plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a second wireless base and a motion sensor configured to transmit a signal to a processing unit included in the autonomous disinfection system, the processing unit configured to shut down the system upon receiving a signal indicative of detected motion.

[0007] In an autonomous disinfection system, a method includes emitting UV-C light from a first unit including a first plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a first wireless base including a plurality of wheels and contained within a housing. According to an embodiment, the method further includes releasing a second unit from a docking port included in the first unit and emitting UV-C light from a second plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a second wireless base from the second unit. Preferably, the method includes shutting down the autonomous disinfection system based on motion detected by a 360-degree motion sensor configured to transmit a signal to a processing unit included in the autonomous disinfection system, the processing unit configured to shut down the system upon receiving a signal indicative of the detected motion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] A top view of the UV-C Floorbot is shown. [Figure 4B] A bottom view of the UV-C Floorbot is shown. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a front view of a charging dock according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a charging dock according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a front view of a basic version in one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the basic version in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exterior casing of one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the interior of a casing according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Detailed Description The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are introduced in detail to clearly communicate the present invention. However, the embodiments presented herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the anticipated variations of such embodiments; rather, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. The following detailed description is designed to make such embodiments clear to those skilled in the art.

[0010] The disclosed embodiments are configured to ensure a clean, sterile, and sanitized environment. The disclosed embodiments strive to create an environment where patients are discharged from a hospital or health care facility healthier and do not re-admit themselves due to new illnesses from a contaminated room. One embodiment includes an autonomous intelligent robot with a 2-in-1 unit. The main unit holds multiple UV-C lamps and is placed on a wireless base with wheels to allow a convenient and easy way to maneuver throughout its perimeter. Within the base is housed a second unit. The second unit includes a smart low-profile wireless floor bot designed to automatically navigate the room and disinfect under hospital beds, operating tables, over-the-bed tables, and furniture that cannot be reached by the UV-C light from the main unit.

[0011] The main unit is an intelligent robot that not only kills disease-causing pathogens, but also improves air quality and reduces manual labor through the use of UV-C lamps. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the autonomous robot includes a 360-degree motion sensor 102 located at the center and top of the unit, which automatically shuts off when it detects motion during UV-C light emission, which affects human skin and eyes. Standing vertically below the motion sensor are a number of UV-C lamps 104 with a number of corresponding reflectors 105 made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which initially shield the lamps when they are turned off to prevent damage to the lamps during transportation of the unit. According to one embodiment, when the unit is powered on, the PTFE reflectors 105 are rotatable and configured to automatically rotate and position themselves behind each lamp. PTFE reflectors 105 are used due to their lighting efficiency of over 97% average reflectance and their ability to distribute UV-C light evenly in all directions, allowing the light to spread across surfaces and eliminating cold spots where pathogens can survive. Preferably, an embodiment includes a radiometer to monitor the individual UV-C outputs. This is particularly important because if the lamp deteriorates, it will lose its effectiveness, minimizing the level of disinfection and leaving various areas contaminated.

[0012] An embodiment includes a pathogen detector that allows the autonomous robot to automatically detect infectious contaminants in the air and on surfaces. Preferably, a microbial detection sensor continuously monitors for pathogens in an area and remotely sends a notification over a wireless network to a cell phone, PC, or tablet when contamination is detected. The microbial detection sensor allows the autonomous robot to determine the length of time required to emit UV-C light to effectively kill the detected pathogens. Early detection of dangerous pathogens is key to helping prevent infectious disease outbreaks. The disclosed embodiments are configured to detect, alert, and destroy highly contagious pathogens to provide a safer, healthier environment.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the autonomous robot is equipped with smart sensors configured to enable the autonomous robot to automatically calculate the appropriate UV-C dose required to disinfect an area based on the size, shape, and color of the room, all of which are critical factors in disinfection time. If the disinfection time does not meet the time required for thorough disinfection, it will result in a contaminated area, allowing deadly and highly contagious pathogens to survive in the air and on surfaces where they are easily transmitted. The disclosed embodiments are designed to create a germ-free environment, dramatically reducing the transmission of airborne and direct contact diseases.

[0014] An embodiment includes a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) module that allows the autonomous robot to independently navigate the area around the autonomous robot. According to an embodiment, the autonomous robot can navigate itself from the autonomous robot's charging station to a designated room or location with the touch of a few buttons from a cell phone, PC, or tablet via a wireless network. An alternative embodiment allows the autonomous robot to self-navigate based on pre-configured settings and activity history. An embodiment includes a software-driven application that allows the robot, once it reaches its destination, to notify the user of the process of disinfection, completion of disinfection, etc. Preferably, the software-driven application allows manual or automatic safety checks, where a list of several safety questions must be checked manually by the user (or automatically by the robot) before the robot automatically powers on. It takes a few minutes for the lamps to warm up until they are fully enabled. Once the lamps have completed warming up, each lamp will emit UV-C light of a configurable wavelength and begin sanitizing its surroundings. According to one embodiment, it takes about 5 minutes to fully disinfect a bathroom of average size 50 square feet, about 10 minutes to disinfect a hospital room with an average area of ​​350 square feet, and about 25-30 minutes to disinfect an area of ​​1,000 square feet. An embodiment includes additional sensors specifically configured to identify the size of the room being disinfected and automatically determine the length of time required to emit UV-C light. During the disinfection process, the robot travels throughout the room, making multiple stops to emit UV-C light into shaded areas to ensure maximum disinfection coverage.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown shows an LED light 100, a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) sensor 101, a top-mounted motion sensor 102, and a cap / cover 103 for securely fastening a UV-C lamp 104 and a PTFE reflector 105. Additionally, FIG. 1 shows an angled LCD display 106 and an automatically detachable UV-C floorbot 107. The embodiment shown includes multiple 360 ​​degree pivoting heavy duty wheels 108 and a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) sensor 109 contained within the floorbot. The floorbot includes an additional UV-C lamp 110 and the unit includes a socket 111.

[0016] 2 shows a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown shows a 360 degree motion sensor 200, an emergency stop button 201, an air vent 202, and a Type 2 CCS+ AC plug socket 203.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing an emergency stop button 300, a UV-C lamp 301, a 360 degree motion sensor 302, a PTFE reflector 303, an LED light 304, and a base 305.

[0018] Figures 4A and 4B show top and bottom views, respectively, of the UV-C Floorbot. The top view of Figure 4A shows the UV-C lamp 400, PTFE reflector 401, LED light 402, VSLAM sensor 403, 360 degree swivel wheel 404, and metal plate 405 to assist in charging and recharging the Floorbot.

[0019] 5A and 5B show front and top views, respectively, of the charging dock according to one embodiment. The charging station is fixed and houses a type 2 CCS plug and socket. It allows the main unit to back up to the front of the charging station and connect to a type 2 CCS+AC plug located at the rear of the main unit. Battery life is shown on an LCD screen located at the front of the main base. The LCD screen also displays disinfecting time, date, room number, etc. According to another embodiment, the main unit is battery-free and includes a swivelable, extendable wire tether or extension cord that allows the main unit to be tethered to a socket yet moved around the room when needed.

[0020] 6 is a front view of the basic version in one embodiment. The embodiment shown shows an aluminum reflector 601, a UV-C lamp 602, a safety handle 603, a motion sensor 604, a wheel lock 605, a wheel 606, and a timing knob 607.

[0021] 7 shows a rear view of the basic version in one embodiment. The illustrated embodiment shows the dimensions of the UV-C lamp and also shows an emergency shutoff button 700, a second motion sensor 701, an electrical cord 702, a cord holder 703, and a vent 704 for the cooling fan.

[0022] 8 shows the basic version of the exterior casing in one embodiment. The embodiment shown shows a plastic casing 800 and four draw bolt latches 801.

[0023] FIG. 9 shows the interior casing in a basic version in one embodiment. The illustrated embodiment shows three warning stickers. The casing is placed in front of the door of the room to be disinfected, and the warning stickers are exposed to ensure that no person enters when the UV-C light is currently being used. Once the disinfection has completed its run time and the UV-C light is automatically turned off, the warning sign can be removed for safe entry. In one embodiment, the autonomous robot is configured to place the warning stickers and pull them up after its task is completed.

[0024] According to one embodiment, while the main unit is working, the wireless low profile floor bot housed within the base can automatically lower its wheels, detach itself, and simultaneously begin navigating the entire floor of the room, disinfecting areas that are most likely to be missed by the main unit. Areas that the floor bot needs to disinfect are hospital beds, operating tables, over-bed tables, and under furniture. According to an embodiment, the smart floor bot can emit UV-C light from above to disinfect under furniture and fixtures, and emit UV-C light all around and underneath its sides to ensure maximum sanitization of the room. According to an alternative embodiment, the floor bot includes a steam supplier for steam cleaning the floor and a rotating microfiber cloth for drying remaining moisture. The microfiber cloth automatically rotates once the floor bot has traveled approximately 150 square feet. The dirty side of the cloth automatically rotates to be located inside the bot. As the microfiber cloth rotates, the dry, clean portion of the cloth that was located inside the bot is simultaneously rotated to expose the clean side of the cloth to continue drying the floor. A sensor sends a notification to a mobile phone, PC or tablet to replace a completely soiled microfiber cloth. According to an embodiment, the floor bot is controlled by a processing unit coupled to a memory element containing encoded instructions. The memory element is also configured to store the floor bot's historical navigation and not repeat unnecessary disinfection times. Once its task is completed, the floor bot returns to the main unit and docks for charging in the base of the main unit. Once both units have completely disinfected the room, the autonomous robot notifies the user of its completion via a notification on the user's mobile phone, PC or tablet and starts the next task in the queue. The autonomous robot can automatically navigate to continue disinfecting a different room or dock at its charging station. Preferably, the autonomous robot can be configured to disinfect the entire treatment area, i.e. a single room, multiple rooms, an entire floor, etc., without manual intervention.

[0025] This unique 2-in-1 robot can be operated over WIFI using an app or a wireless remote control, which can have multiple functions as well as records of tasks completed, areas sanitized, and the identity of users accessing and operating the unit.

[0026] In accordance with the automated robot embodiment, the robot weighs approximately 100-150 pounds at its heaviest. With the new integrated technology available today, our goal is to minimize the size and weight of the unit as a whole for convenience and accessibility.

[0027] What is UV-C? There are three types of ultraviolet light: UV-A (315-399 nm), UV-B (280-314 nm), and UV-C (100-279 nm). UV-C light is a short-wavelength ultraviolet light that kills or inactivates microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens by disrupting their nucleic acids, destroying their DNA and leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. UV-C light is germicidal and lethal to all forms of microorganisms without the use of high temperature and pressure, chemicals or gases. UV irradiation is an effective, environmentally friendly, and chemical-free method to prevent microorganisms from replicating in any environment.

[0028] The disclosed embodiments substantially and significantly distinguish the present invention from the prior art. Some embodiments include a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reflector: the use of the reflector increases the effectiveness and UV intensity. The reflector maximizes internal reflection to fully utilize the UV energy or photons emitted from the light source. PTFE is one of several known materials with radiation profile shaping elements that can improve performance and reflectivity. It can also be an economical way to enhance ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Porous PTFE is an excellent material choice for UV reflectivity due to its resistance to degradation, high reflectivity, and diffuse (Lambertian) reflectivity. It converts a narrow directional light source into a broader illuminance, allowing for a broader area of ​​coverage. Porous PTFE exhibits nearly perfect diffuse reflectance, resists degradation by UV light, can be molded into complex shapes, and is chemically inert, making it an attractive material for light diffusion applications. PTFE's resistance to UV light can be attributed in part to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds found in the material. Due to the mechanism of diffuse reflection, thickness is an important parameter. Thicker materials allow the UV to have more reflections within the porous PTFE structure before the light can pass completely through the material. A 3mm thick microporous PTFE sheet exhibits a total reflectance of over 99% in the UV and visible light range, as well as a diffuse reflectance approaching 100%. PTFE has low UV radiation absorption characteristics in the 250nm-500nm range. At wavelengths below 240nm, PTFE begins to absorb UV light as carbonization begins to occur on the surface layer of the material, breaking the chemical bonds there. In conclusion, not only is the reflectance of porous PTFE in the UV range excellent, but the reflected energy is also almost completely Lambertian, i.e. diffuse reflectance.

[0029] Common materials used in commercial UV disinfection systems are stainless steel and aluminum. Although these materials are highly resistant to microbial growth, stainless steel reflects only 20-28% of UV light, while aluminum reflects 80%. PTFE, however, reflects greater than 95% of UVC light, making systems constructed from these materials more than three times more effective than traditional reflectors. Aluminum is useful for applications requiring spectral reflectance, but does not produce a uniform Lambertian distribution of light like PTFE.

[0030] An embodiment includes a UV intensity sensor, where careful monitoring of UV output is crucial for efficient operation of the UV system and consistently good treatment results. If lamps are replaced only at set time intervals, which is the traditional method, lamps may be replaced too early or too late, resulting in unnecessary resource waste. The UV intensity sensor continuously monitors the UV lamp intensity of a single lamp, establishes a preventative maintenance schedule for the lamp system, determines when to replace lamps, and collects data for statistical processing and quality control. When the UV lamp and reflector are new, the display is set to show 100% relative intensity. The decrease in the displayed percentage indicates a gradual decrease in its output compared to the output when the UV lamp was new. The user can set a low level threshold of UV emitted to ensure an adequate dose for effective disinfection. According to an embodiment, a red lower limit indicator light alerts the user that this threshold has been violated.

[0031] A preferred embodiment includes a detachable floor bot. Preferably, the detachable floor bot includes wireless communication and autonomous navigation capabilities. The wireless floor bot is configured to disinfect floors and thoroughly disinfect shaded areas beneath high-touch surfaces that cannot be reached by UV-C light from the main unit. In one study, it was found that after routine hospital cleaning, 18% of sites beneath bedside tables remain contaminated with MRSA. Many other pathogens survive manual and routine cleaning from overlooked areas, causing viral and bacterial transmission to patients in hospital environments. According to an embodiment, the low-profile floor bot is designed and configured to disinfect and navigate beneath hospital beds, furniture, and beneath high-touch surface areas such as operating tables and bedside tables, as well as furniture. Preferably, UVC light is emitted from all directions of the floor bot to ensure maximum disinfection. According to one embodiment, the floor bot disinfects and charges simultaneously with the main unit. According to one embodiment, a ring of LED lights surrounding the diameter of the floor bot has five different colors. Each color display also coordinates with the main unit, indicating: white: running, yellow: warming up, blue: disinfecting, green: complete, red: error / stop.

[0032] Innovative technologies such as visual SLAM, intelligent sensor fusion software, and proximity sensors configured with an internal measurement unit (IMU) allow the robot to provide thorough disinfection and cover shaded areas missed by the main unit. An embodiment comprises a proximity sensor that allows the floorbot to detect objects around it. It is configured to stop navigating and start disinfection when it detects an object above it, such as an operating table, or under a hospital bed or furniture. Preferably, the sensor configuration allows the floorbot to avoid dead-end situations and collisions, as well as to avoid damaging furniture and walls. Smart mapping technology allows the floorbot to map, adapt, and learn the floor plan as it cleans and memorizes the map for future cleaning tasks. Further artificial intelligence-based algorithms included in the floorbot's control function allow the floorbot to know where it has been and where it needs to go to complete the task. The floorbot is further configured to return to the main unit once its task is completed. Together, the 2-in-1 intelligent robot strives to dramatically reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and provide a safer and healthier environment unlike any other.

[0033] The disclosed embodiments include novel technology and software, as well as advanced autonomous capabilities. The disclosed embodiments include a protective shield to protect the lamp when not disinfecting. The disclosed embodiments can be operated wirelessly and self-regulating.

[0034] software Disclosed embodiments include visual SLAM software and lidar technology that creates a 3D virtual map with the ability to map locations and locate itself within the map. The embodiments are capable of building a map of an unknown environment using only computer vision and simultaneously performing navigation using the partially built map. The two camera embodiments allow the robot to more accurately estimate 3D camera location and feature location. This provides a quicker estimate of initial depth compared to a single camera.

[0035] Some embodiments include sensor fusion software configured to merge data from multiple sensors to reduce the amount of uncertainty that may be involved in robot navigation operations, which helps the robot build a more accurate model of the world in order to navigate, sanitize, disinfect, and sterilize accurately.

[0036] An embodiment includes a UV intensity sensor configured for continuous monitoring of UV intensity for maximum efficiency. According to a preferred embodiment, a proximity sensor is configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact, thereby helping to avoid deadlock situations, collisions, and damage to furniture and walls. An embodiment includes at least one radiation sensor that receives reflected UV-C radiation, said radiation sensor measuring said reflected UV-C radiation and calculating sterilization and sanitization based on a predetermined criterion and the reflected UV-C radiation.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the smart robot is equipped with a 360 degree motion sensor and configured to automatically shut off when motion is detected. Preferably, a mobile wireless device can control the smart robot, and according to an embodiment, a smart app via a smartphone, desktop or iPad can operate the robot. One embodiment includes software configured to track the robot in real time, obtain results and perform analysis.

[0038] An example protocol for using the device is described. Charge your robot at the charging station.

[0039] Program and configure the robot. When the robot is fully charged, a notification is sent to the user wireless remote control device.

[0040] Authorized users who enter the assigned PIN into a wireless device (smartphone, desktop, or iPad) can check the robot's parameters (battery level, availability, tracking the robot's location in real time, etc.) and can enter the disinfection location (e.g., room number, entire floor of a building, etc.).

[0041] The user can schedule cleaning times or / and allow the robot to start in real-time.

[0042] The robot powers on to display a white LED light. Based on user command, the robot will be removed from the charging station and move towards its destination, and the user will receive a notification when the robot enters / reaches its destination.

[0043] The user sends permission to the robot and it starts to move: the LED light changes from white to yellow.

[0044] Now the PTFE reflector rotates to expose the UV-C lamp, which then warms up for about 2-3 minutes. The LED light now changes from yellow to blue.

[0045] The robot will begin maneuvering throughout the room even if the Floorbot is detached from the main unit.

[0046] The FloorBots will begin navigating the room independently and both units will disinfect the room simultaneously.

[0047] Once disinfection is complete, the FloorBot returns to the main unit, at which point the LED light changes from blue to green.

[0048] A completion notification is sent to the user. The robot then proceeds to the next area in the queue or docks back to the charging station.

[0049] The preferred embodiment includes a smart app for results, analytics, history of disinfection locations and times, historical recording of who operated the unit at a particular time, the ability to track and locate the robot in real time, check battery life on both units, and view disinfection schedules and times.

[0050] Because various possible embodiments of the above-described invention may be made, and because various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, it is to be understood that all matters described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not considered in a limiting sense. Thus, those skilled in the art of autonomous robotic functions, and in particular systems and methods for disinfecting confined spaces, will understand that while preferred and alternative embodiments have been shown and described in accordance with the patent statutes, the present invention is not limited thereto or by them.

[0051] The drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the noted / illustrated functions may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, entities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, entities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Generally, the routines executed to realize the embodiments of the present invention may be part of an operating system or a particular application, component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. A computer program of the present invention is typically composed of a number of instructions that are converted by a native computer into a machine-accessible format and thus converted into executable instructions. A program is also composed of variables and data structures that are either local to the program or found on a memory or storage device. Furthermore, the various programs described below may be identified based on the application in which they are implemented in a particular embodiment of the present invention. However, it should be understood that any specific program terminology below is used merely for convenience, and thus the present invention should not be limited to use only in any specific application identified and / or implied by such terminology.

[0054] The present invention and some of its advantages have been described in detail with respect to some embodiments. Although the present system and process are described with reference to a robotic disinfection system and method, it should be understood that the present system and method are highly reconfigurable and can be used in other contexts, such as multi-purpose robots. It should also be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. Although embodiments of the present invention can achieve multiple objectives, not all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims will achieve all objectives. Furthermore, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the present disclosure that currently existing or later developed processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps are equivalent to and within the scope of those claimed. It is therefore intended that the claims include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. 1. An autonomous disinfection system, comprising: Housing and a first unit including a first plurality of UV-C lamps mounted to a first wireless base contained within the housing, the first unit including a plurality of wheels; The first unit further includes a docking port for a second unit including a second plurality of UV-C lamps mounted to a second wireless base, and the autonomous disinfection system further includes:

1. An autonomous disinfection system comprising: a motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit included in the autonomous disinfection system, the processing unit configured to shut down the system upon receiving a signal indicative of detected motion.

2. the plurality of UV-C lamps are further operatively coupled to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reflector that initially shields the lamps when lit; 10. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the PTFE reflector is configured to automatically rotate to position the PTFE reflector behind each lamp when turned on.

3. 10. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 1, further comprising a radiometer configured to monitor individual UV-C outputs.

4. 10. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the UV-C lamp is configured to emit UV-C light having a wavelength from about 100 nm to about 400 nm.

5. 10. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the UV-C lamp is configured to emit UV-C light having a wavelength from about 220 nm to about 260 nm.

6. and a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) system configured to enable the autonomous robot to independently navigate its surrounding area; 10. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the autonomous robot is further configured to communicate with a user-controlled wireless device.

7. The VSLAM is coupled to a sensor for identifying a restricted space and mapping its navigation through the identified restricted space; 7. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 6, wherein said mapping further comprises estimating an amount of time required to navigate through said confined space.

8. releasing the second unit from the docking port in the first unit to disinfect a volume within the confined volume that is not reachable by the first unit based on the mapping; 8. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 7, wherein the second unit is received at the docking port.

9. The second unit includes: a steam delivery unit configured to deliver steam to disinfect surfaces within the confined space; 7. The autonomous disinfection system of claim 6, further comprising a microfiber rotating unit configured to dry the disinfected surfaces within the confined space.

10. In the autonomous disinfection system, emitting UV-C light from a first unit including a first plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a first wireless base that includes a plurality of wheels and is contained within the housing; Releasing a second unit from a docking port included in the first unit and emitting UV-C light from a second plurality of UV-C lamps mounted on a second wireless base from the second unit; and shutting down the autonomous disinfection system based on movement detected by a 360 degree motion sensor configured to send a signal to a processing unit included in the autonomous disinfection system, the processing unit configured to shut down the system upon receiving a signal indicative of the detected movement.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein emitting UV-C light from the first unit includes emitting UV-C light from the plurality of UV-C lamps including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reflectors that initially shield the lamps when turned off to prevent damage to the lamps during transportation of the unit, the PTFE reflectors being configured to automatically rotate to position the PTFE reflectors behind each lamp.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising monitoring the individual UV-C outputs with a radiometer.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the UV-C lamp is configured to emit UV-C light having a wavelength of about 100 nm to about 400 nm.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the UV-C lamp is configured to emit UV-C light having a wavelength of about 220 nm to about 260 nm.

15. independently navigating a surrounding area via a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) system; The method of claim 10, further comprising: communicating with a user-controlled wireless device.

16. and further comprising: identifying a restricted space via the VSLAM coupled to a sensor; and mapping navigation through the identified restricted space. The method of claim 15 , wherein the mapping further comprises estimating an amount of time required to navigate through the constrained space.

17. releasing the second unit from the docking port in the first unit to disinfect a volume within the confined volume that is not reachable by the first unit based on the mapping; The method of claim 16 , further comprising receiving the second unit at the docking port in the first unit.

18. The second unit includes: a steam delivery unit configured to deliver steam to disinfect surfaces within the confined space; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: a microfiber rotating unit configured to dry the disinfected surfaces within the confined space.

Images