Now, robot is part of Kerala's fight against coronavirus

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 21 (): Not just in China,but in Keralaalso robot is now playing a key role in thehealth workers' fight against COVID-19, thanks to theinnovative spirit of a group of young minds and the support ofthe state Health Department.

Named "Nightingale-19", the robot is deployed toprovide food and medicines among patients at the districtcoronavirus centre in Ancharakandi in Kannur district where alarge number of cases have been reported.

The special display facility, attached to it, alsoallows patients to communicate with health workers and theirrelatives if necessary, the health minister's office heresaid.

Designed by the students of Chemberi Vimal JyothiEngineering College with the support of the Health Department,the remote control-operated robot can carry food and water forat least six persons at a stretch.

The machine, which can travel up to one kilometre,distributes food, water and medicine in each room, adepartment statement said.

The robot would be disinfected after each use, itsaid.

Health Minister K K Shailaja inaugurated the newventure from here recently through the robot's video facility,the statement added.

Robots have been put to use in other parts of thecountry to help in the health workers' fight against COVID-19. LGK UD SS