Malaysian scientists have created a barrel-shaped robot on wheels that they hope will make the rounds on hospital wards to check on coronavirus patients, reducing health workers' risk of infection.
“Medibot” is a 1.5-meter tall (five foot) white robot, equipped with a camera and screen via which patients can communicate remotely with medics.
The invention, built by scientists at the International Islamic University Malaysia, is also fitted with a device to check patients' temperatures remotely.
Read more: Severe shortage of ventilators is making Africa more vulnerable to coronavirus
It is aimed at helping nurses and doctors working on the wards with social distancing, Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, a member of the team behind the invention, told AFP.
It cost about 15,000 ringgit ($3,500) to develop, and the university plans to trial it soon in their own private hospital, which does not treat virus patients, said Zulkifli.
If that proves a success, the scientists hope it can be used in government hospitals where people with coronavirus are sent.
Malaysia has reported 4,683 coronavirus cases, including 76 deaths.
Read more: Malaysia sorry after coronavirus tips for women spark anger
From Thailand to Israel, robots are being used in the fight against the coronavirus, which has killed over 110,000 people worldwide.
They are being increasingly relied on as fast, efficient, contagion-proof champions in the war against the virus.
-
More than 3,000 coronavirus cases now in Malaysia, 208 new cases reported
Malaysia reported 208 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total to 3,116, the highest in Southeast Asia.The Ministry Of Health recorded a ... World News -
Malaysia sorry after coronavirus tips for women spark anger
Malaysia’s government apologized Tuesday after its advice for women to wear make-up and not nag their husbands during the country’s coronavirus ... Variety -
Malaysia reports 117 new coronavirus cases
Malaysia reported 117 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 790. The health ministry ... World News -
Malaysia reports 125 new coronavirus cases after 16,000 people gather
Malaysia reported 125 new coronavirus cases on Monday, with most linked to a religious gathering attended by around 16,000 people. The ... World News