Advancing the Design of UV Disinfection Robots

A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into designing UV disinfection robots.

Steve Jobs once said, “Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.” Likewise, when OhmniLabs set out to enter the world of UV disinfection robots, OhmniLabs knew that the build & operation of the OhmniClean robot were just as important as any aesthetic appeal. And, in fact, the two should be complementary to the overall function of the product. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the intentions behind the design choices and how they all coalesce to make OhmniClean the world’s premier disinfection robot.

Gathering Information on Current UV Disinfection Robots

Before iterating and crafting, OhmniLabs wanted to ensure they had plenty of consultations with real performant operators in the healthcare industry. They met with EVS team members, infection control specialists, and a variety of other healthcare individuals to determine what issues they’d experienced with legacy UV disinfection robots and what features they’d like to see in future solutions. Taking everything they were told, OhmniLabs dove in and began building an effective and easy-to-use disinfection robot.

Ergonomics of UV Disinfection Robots

One of the more common complaints received about legacy UV disinfection robots surrounded ergonomics. Staff members reported that, due to the heavy and bulky build of these emitters, operating them was rather cumbersome. Even worse, transporting these large pieces of equipment had occasionally led to injury for the operator.

To ease this burden, OhmniLabs deliberately designed OhmniClean to be physically easy to use and transport. At only 27 kgs, the lightweight machine is extremely mobile. The handle is positioned at standard counter height, making for comfortable arm and shoulder positioning, and features a wide offset from the base allowing the operator to walk naturally while manoeuvring the unit.

On top of that, the entire unit is modular, being able to break down into separate parts for further ease of transportation.

Drivetrain

Of course, don’t let the compact design fool you: OhmniClean still packs a powerful punch. In addition to six UV-C lightbulbs – scientifically proven to eliminate over 99.99% of HAI-causing pathogens – the robot’s drivetrain is designed to facilitate the disinfection process quickly.

The differential direct drive allows for precise navigation, even through tight quarters, and removes a significant number of wear components commonly found in more conventional drivetrains. Further, this innovative drivetrain is optimised for extended battery life, allowing for near-zero downtime and around-the-clock disinfection.

Durable Construction

With demand for disinfection higher than ever before, it’s expected for UV disinfection robots to be subjected to heavy use, and often within rushed, perhaps stressful, conditions. For that reason, OhmniLabs wanted to make sure that OhmniClean was constructed for longevity in even the harshest of circumstances.

Assembled using a variety of aluminium and magnesium alloys, the material composition of the primary chassis is fused in an ideal strength-to-weight ratio, maximising robustness while still maintaining the lightweight which is crucial for easy use and transportation. The base is built with shock-absorbing, non-marring plastics to minimise any damage to the unit or environment, and the wheels are similarly manufactured to prevent scuffing.

This construction – borrowing from techniques used in formula racing vehicles – creates a sturdy unit that can withstand loads of up to 5x its own weight, and through a variety of collision and fall tests, OhmniClean can answer the call from even the most rigorous of operators.

Ancillary Equipment of UV Disinfection Robots

Another frequent complaint from cleaning crews utilising UV disinfection robots was that the ancillary equipment was difficult to keep up with and manage. For instance, operating tablets and safety sensors were often required to be charged separately from the UV emitter, leading to frequent misplacements or improper charging, rendering them unusable.

But with OhmniClean, they built everything into the unit itself. Specially designed mounts keep ancillary equipment contained in a single location, with all tablets and safety sensors able to charge in tandem with the emitter. This design feature helps ensure that no disinfection is delayed.

Assembly & Quality Control

As is the case with all OhmniLabs products, OhmniClean is assembled in-house at the OhmniLabs headquarters in Silicon Valley. This first-hand approach allows OhmniLabs to monitor the construction from start to finish, verifying that no portion is skipped or skimped.

Upon completion, each of the UV disinfection robots must pass an internal 120-point inspection twice prior to shipment, assuring quality and long-term operation of the unit.

More Than Just A Robot

OhmniClean is designed and built to provide you with effective and easy-to-use disinfection right out of the box. But the efforts didn’t stop there. Unlike other UV disinfection robots, OhmniClean requires minimal maintenance, and the occasional task, such as changing a lightbulb, can be completed quickly and with only a single screwdriver. You also have access to OhmniLabs' robust support team, always standing by and ready to answer any questions you may have regarding the unit. By choosing OhmniClean, you’ll be ready to tackle the disinfection needs of both today and tomorrow.

About Robots4Good

A leading provider of robots as a service, Robots4Good is the exclusive supplier of OhmniLabs robots and services in Australia and New Zealand for business, manufacturing, schools, hospitals, disability and aged care settings.