ECCR final project

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INTRODUCTION

The flu pandemic, the cholera pandemics, and the black death are some of the pandemics that humanity has faced throughout history. In 2020, one more has been added to that list: COVID-19. However, this time humans have an advantage that wasn’t there before – technology. It’s infectious characterizes the virus that caused the current pandemic. The simple contact with an infected area means a great possibility of contracting the pathogen. Many new technologies were developed to combat the spreading of COVID-19. These technologies use systems that allow the disinfection of areas without the exposure of individuals to the virus. Some examples are Denmark’s UVD Robot, the Weston Robot, and the eXtreme Disinfection roBOT (XDBOT). However, each of them has limitations that need significant improvement. In an effort to address these aspects left behind and offer a model that provides benefits beyond effective disinfection, K.O. Virus launches The Environmental Cleaning Controlled Robot (E.C.C.R). 

But what makes the E.C.C.R different?

  • Recycled Materials- Using recycled material will reduce the cost of production and reuse materials that only need to be shaped and not created from raw resources.
  • Ultraviolet scan- Using ultraviolet light allows the robot to detect infected areas and provide a method to ensure that the disinfection was successful.
  • Long term use- This robot can also be used for future spread of the virus as it plays a pivotal role in preventing future pandemics.
  • Versatility-  Its design isn’t limited to viruses but it can also detect pathogens that may be detrimental.   
  • Connection with emergency services- this model allows people to communicate with emergency authorities.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Honda started to think about creating a Robot to help humans tackle dangerous situations. Their vision was to have robotic assistance, or, if possible, build robots that are capable of replacing human input completely.  In 1986, Honda created the first step of the Robot by examining the principles of two-legged locomotion. It seemed that the idea succeeded and they wanted to take the next step. That took four years to achieve it. In step two they developed the motion of the robot. It became one point two kilometers per hour with more stability faster than the robot’s motion on Honda first step. In completing the basic function of the two-legged walking, Honda created techniques to create more stability in the motion of the robot. They invested the three postures needed for stability. Another four years needed from Honda to attach the leg with the body, and create humanoid Robots. In those four years, they decreased the height and the weight of the robot; it became a hundred and sixty centimeters in height and a hundred and thirty kilograms in weight. 

Model

Components

The humanoid robot consists of seven essential components that move and control the body: the antenna, battery, gyro-accelerometer, camera, frame, force-sensors, and actuators.  The antenna is used to transmit between the robot and the operating computer via wireless communication. The nickel-zinc battery allows approximately twenty-five minutes of operation. Located at the hips of the robot, the gyroscope and accelerometer sense the frame and its surroundings – this allows the robot to lean and move. A camera shows the operator how to direct the robot and detect the target location. The body is made of tough, lightweight magnesium alloy. Axis force sensor senses the direction and amount of force on the hand. Actuator brushless DC servomotors and harmonic drive speed reducers perform the functions of human muscles. Ultraviolet (UV) is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from ten nanometers nm (with a corresponding frequency of approximately thirty petahertz) to four hundred nanometers (seven hundred and fifty terahertz), shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun.

There are a few noticeable developments we made to Honda’s ASIMO Robot. Our Environmental Cleaning Control Robot (E.C.C.R) replaces ASIMO’s head with glowing lightsabers: eight bulbs that are put together creating a cylinder shape that emits concentrated UV-C ultraviolet light. This would allow the robot to kill viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microbes. Exposure to such light causes damage to these pathogens’ genetic information, preventing them from multiplying. Thus the virus’ effect is significantly reduced, leaving it with a lifespan of a few hours. While the robot is functioning, people are not allowed in the room because UV-C light may have several effects on humans. Therefore the robot is controlled by the operating computer via wireless communication. This is a practical implementation of Honda’s vision to remove human contact as much as possible.  The disinfection process takes about ten to twenty minutes depending on the room size. However, to be fully effective, the UV needs to fall directly on the surface and any obstacle cannot block the light waves. Such an issue is addressed with the inclusion of UV lights on the fingertips of the robot, which allows it to extend the hand in tight and hard to reach spaces that otherwise wouldn’t be possible to scan. It also carries an internal microphone which is located in the center of the chest This feature allows people to voice command the E.C.C.R. Furthermore, this allows an added degree of remote control advantage over the ASIMO base model. 

Applications

There is a long list of practical applications for E.C.C.R. When it is not used for detecting pathogens, it could be used as a mobile public assistance device. Given the fact that it has a built-in microphone and camera, it can be used as a preliminary emergency service provider. During a public emergency, while EMTs are in route, the E.C.C.R will allow dispatch and health care professionals to constantly get updates from patients in real-time. This is a development to the existing system where one has to call the EMT and wait hopelessly until they arrive. Since the robot will be connected to emergency services, it allows the police departments to have a mobile vigilance system.  The built-in gyroscope and accelerometer add another advantage. This will allow the E.C.C.R to connect to global positioning system and help in assisting the public by giving directions at train stations, airports, etc. Therefore the  E.C.C.R has applications both in government, and private facilities. This allows for better commercialization of the product. The E.C.C.R can be further implemented in foreign locations with high population densities. Populous countries like China and India require fast, effective, and reliable scanning of large areas. In addition, these countries also have a high crime rate. With the E.C.C.R’s combined capability of detecting viruses and providing vigilance, it makes it the ideal robot for foreign government applications. 

Production

The robot is hand-assembled and the production time for one robot requires approximately one day with required parts. The estimated cost of the E.C.C.R is $90,000 per unit. Although it may appear to be a high-cost structure, it is required to better both the longevity and reliability of the robot. If the E.C.C.R is adopted by the government and the public sectors, then the higher demand will raise enough capital to automize the building process. This will further reduce production cost making availability and affordability two of the most powerful advantages the E.C.C.R has over its competition. It is important to realize that the E.C.C.R is going to be used in public locations like hospitals, and outdoor events. Such harsh environments require a high build quality for daily use. Through these measures, we will ensure the safety of the people, and the effectiveness of the product. 

 CONCLUSION

We believe that modern technology, when developed effectively, has the capability to prevent future pandemics. We believe that the Environmental Cleaning Controlled Robot (E.C.C.R) will be the most effective robot for the task. Although based on Honda’s Asimo Robot design, the E.C.C.R combines superior technology, parts longevity, and mass production capability to justify its higher cost structure. The UV capabilities allow the E.C.C.R to better scan larger areas, not only to detect pathogens but also to eliminate them. With better quality parts, the E.C.C.R can ensure a long service life, which will justify any initial discomfort about the price per product. The most significant advantage is that the E.C.C.R can be mass-produced because of its cost of materials. Support of governmental contracts will allow us to have E.C.C.Rs policing public gathering events, local parks, and entertainment venues to detect and destroy infectious pathogens. In a world where biological warfare, both intended and unintended, is the new terrorism, we must rapidly develop E.C.C.Rs, and integrate them into safety systems.  

REFERENCES

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