Researchers have developed an autonomous vaccine robot that can also be used in COVID-19 vaccination. Scientists are researching new techniques for the coronavirus pandemic, which has negatively affected our lives for about two years. While a group of scientists is focused on developing a vaccine, another group is trying to find the source of the pandemic. However, there are also those who want to contribute to pandemic studies in different fields. For example, two researchers in Canada signed off on a new study. Here is the needle-free vaccination device developed by the researchers…
The vaccine robot uses a different technique
The Cobionix initiative at the University of Waterloo (Canada) introduced its new device called ‘Cobi’. This new robot inoculates autonomously and without needles. The research team claimed to be the first robot to successfully perform intramuscular injection. Moreover, the robot does this without using a subcutaneous needle.
The robot, which can also make the COVID-19 vaccine, passes high-pressure serum through a human hair-wide opening in the skin instead of a needle. People who want to vaccinate this robot first make an appointment online. They then show ID to a camera on the touchscreen interface.
This vaccine robot uses LIDAR sensors. LIDAR is the infrastructure of technology that autonomous vehicles use to map roads. Thanks to this technology, Cobi creates a model of the person’s body. Artificial intelligence-based software determines the most suitable place for injection.
The device was developed by Tim Lasswell, co-founder and CEO of Cobionix, and his partner Nima Zamani. Nima Zamani said, “Autonomous solutions like Cobi can protect healthcare workers. It can also reduce healthcare costs. ” said. In the coming years, the robot is expected to help vaccinate communities in remote areas with limited access to healthcare workers. Meanwhile, Lasswell said it will take about two years for Cobi to be ready for commercial use.
It should also be noted that such studies have increased in the pandemic. For example, a robot named Cira-03 is working in a hospital near Cairo. This robot, which has a human-like face and arms, performs coronavirus tests and reminds patients to wear masks. In addition, Boston Dynamics’ robot dog Spot, with new features, now detects COVID-19 symptoms from two meters away.