Autonomous Sterilization Robot with Activity-Based Risk Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing property monitoring systems lack the capability to effectively sterilize surfaces to reduce the transmission of germs and diseases between occupants, as they rely on static cleaning configurations and do not account for activity data or usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device equipped with sensors and sterilization equipment, such as UV irradiation, disinfectant sprays, or laser ablation, autonomously monitors activity within a property to identify high-risk surfaces and performs sterilization operations based on collected data, minimizing human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic cleaning device is used to clean surfaces, then cleaning automation is improved, but the ability to sterilize surfaces to reduce germ transmission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is equipped with multiple sterilization modalities (UV-C irradiation, thermal heating, chemical disinfectant application) to perform both cleaning and sterilization functions, transforming a single-function cleaning device into a multi-functional sterilization system that can address various contamination types effectively
2Device complexity
If static or predefined cleaning configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track usage and target high-risk surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor surface usage patterns, occupancy, and contamination risk levels, feeding this information back to the control system which dynamically adjusts sterilization targets and parameters, enabling the device to adapt to changing environmental conditions and identify high-risk surfaces automatically
3Manufacturing precision
If manual sterilization intervention is required, then sterilization precision can be maintained, but productivity and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device autonomously navigates to identified high-risk surfaces, selects appropriate sterilization methods based on sensor data, executes sterilization operations, and monitors effectiveness without human intervention, enabling continuous automated sterilization cycles that respond immediately to detected contamination risks
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robotic device effectively reduces the likelihood of germ and disease transmission by targeting high-risk surfaces with precise sterilization methods, improving surface hygiene and occupant health without requiring manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The robotic device can also include a robotic arm to carry sterilization equipment, such as an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation device
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation device, disinfectant sprays, a heat lamp, or a laser ablation device
Implementation Method 3
an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation device, disinfectant sprays, a heat lamp, or a laser ablation device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for using a robotic device to autonomously monitor activity within a property to predict a high likelihood of germ or disease transmission, and in response, perform one or more sterilization operations to regions of a property to reduce the likelihood of germ or disease transmission. In some implementations, sensor data collected by one or more sensors located within a property is processed. One or more activity patterns of a user located within the property based on processing the sensor data is identified. A determination to perform a sterilization operation based on the one or more activity patterns of the user is made. An instruction is provided to a robotic device located in the property to perform the sterilization operation.