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<\/div>\nEven if they’re wearing face shields and masks, healthcare workers can still understandably be quite leery of getting up close and personal with patients who may have COVID-19. That’s where a new robotic system comes in, as it lets clinicians take samples at a distance.<\/p>\n
Developed by scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) and the Dongguk University College of Medicine, the prototype system consists of a computer-based set of controls in one area, and the actual robot in another. Patients seat themselves at the latter, utilizing a chin rest and forehead rest to properly position their head against the device.<\/p>\n
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Guided by real-time video from an attached video camera, the clinician then manipulates the controls, sending in the robot’s disposable swab to obtain samples from the patient’s nose and mouth.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nA joystick-like control moves the swab up and down, back and forth, while a sliding rod-shaped control is used to move it in and out. A force feedback setup in the second control replicates the resistance being experienced by the actual swab, so the operator knows not to apply too much pressure.<\/p>\n
Additionally, should the patient and the clinician not be in the same room, an integrated audio-visual system allows them to communicate with one another.<\/p>\n
“This technology allows samples to be retrieved from persons presenting symptoms of high-risk diseases even without direct contact,” says KIMM’s Dr. Joonho Seo. “I expect it to be useful in the screening of high-risk diseases like COVID-19, and hope it will contribute to the safety and well-being of medical personnel during pandemics and epidemics.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Contact Information:<\/b>
Ben Coxworth<\/p>\n
Tags:<\/b> Ben Coxworth<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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There’s currently no word on when the system may enter clinical use Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials Even if they’re wearing face shields and masks, healthcare workers can still understandably be quite leery of getting up close and personal with patients who may have COVID-19. That’s where a new robotic system comes in, as … Continue reading Sampling robot lets clinicians keep their distance from infected patients<\/span><\/a> Continue Reading