Eureka: UV and thermal camera aided automatic disinfection robot: Seeking optical design partner from Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, and Spain.

The company is an enterprise established in Turkey with program Individual Young Enterprise of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. With the experience gained from the completed and ongoing projects sterilization with the industrial microwave oven and its UV hybrid version, they aim to develop a UV and thermal camera aided automatic disinfection robot. UV-C radiation is a proven method used for disinfection for many years. Currently, the company is carrying out a project based on UV light sources to detect and neutralize food pathogens. Through research and integration during the development process, the company has strengthened its capabilities in human safety and application of the technology. By using the knowledge obtained, the company will develop a disinfection robot targeted to kill COVID-19 floating in the air and on surfaces. One of the main objectives of the project is to disinfect the COVID-19. In the project scope, disadvantages existing in rival products that are fixed positioned light sources and security related negativities will be eliminated. The light sources will be placed on the robot designed to move in four directions. The robot will have separate axes that allow the UV-C sources to rotate individually. Moreover, safety laser scanners and a 3D camera capable of detecting depth will be deployed on the platform. Thus, by determining the presence and movement of the living beings around the platform, when the relevant safety conditions are met, UV will be applied in the predetermined recipe period. Therefore, UV can be applied to more than one area, unlike in the case where the light sources are static. This will ensure that the investment cost will be reduced and sterilization in larger areas can be possible. With the features included high safety precautions and self-operation ability, the system will be able to provide high efficiency. Furthermore, by using thermal imaging with a thermal camera attached to the robot, it can be used to screen temperatures the people around. Hence, it will very helpful for early detection and diagnosis. And also, it will serve when disinfection is not applied especially in the daytime. As is known to all, COVID-19 is spread all over the world. Health systems in many countries are about the collapse. Hospitals have become to spread the virus more. Within this scope, a system with UV disinfection will be deployed to increase the efficiency of protecting healthcare professionals and citizens. This product will perform the sterilization process by moving itself in the area of application. In the same manner, it will be possible to sterilize activity in other environments such as banks, schools, and public institutions. In the prototype, the robot will be designed to operate automatically to ensure its effect on pathogens and to provide a benefit against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Throughout the process, on the other hand, improvements will be made to operate the robot autonomously. The major technologies to be used in the development process are UV technology, machine technology, and artificial intelligence. In the areas of living being detection and safety, machine technology and artificial intelligence methods will be utilized. In the field of UV technology, the company is looking for cooperation to design and optimize the optics of the robot. The company is seeking an SME and/or a university from the optics sector. The role of partners searched would design and optimize the positioning of the UV-C sources, and its angles and also decide the optimum power and lamp types. Potential partner companies from Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, and Spain are welcome to express their interests to co-innovate under the Eureka Innovation Call. Deadline for EOI is 14 May 2020. Deadline for the call is 15 May 2020.