Helpful Robot Banned For Spreading Information About Coronavirus in New York City, Here's Why

Peter G., Tech Times 06 March 2020, 09:03 am

Promobot — (Photo : Screenshot from Twitter of @DunyaNews)

Just like any other city or country that is in panic is thinking of ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19. New York City made a move to help with the situation. There have been reports saying that 11 people in the US have died from the coronavirus disease, so far, with 160 known cases in total.

What Does it Do?

A five-foot-tall robot from Philadelphia-based company has been spotted around the strips of Times Square, handing out face masks and notifying people about COVID-19-it aims is to inform people what to do to avoid contagion and possible self-quarantine.

This robot communicates with people, connects with third party services and other systems externally. It also had a device with a touch screen located on its chest. People who walk by could fill out questionnaires on the screen. This robot was built with software that can detect coronavirus symptoms. This Promobot is autonomous - meaning it doesn't need human control for it to work according to chief business development officer Oleg Kivorkutsev.

However, Promobot does not diagnose COVID-19. It only asks about the symptoms associated with the virus, like high fever and such, and if the person answers "no," then the robot would reassure them that they likely don't have COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms could only appear up to two weeks after the exposure, so this means that if a person doesn't have a fever doesn't necessarily mean they are not infected.

What Company Built All This?

Promobot, a robotics company that specializes in building service robots for business, have been reported to have released this robot. Promobot has a few models, and they sent the V.4 around the New York area. The move aims to create awareness of the virus and what people should to and practice to avoid catching the illness. Although this machine sounds helpful and friendly, reports said that they banned the Promobot, and some may wonder why.

Possible Spread of Coronavirus by Use of Robots

Promobot performed more or less than 300 tests, but no one reported symptoms that relate to COVID-19. The touchscreen on the chest can also carry viruses and bacteria.

According to the company, the touchscreen should not be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or any disinfectant. So in retrospect, if someone uses the robot and is doesn't know if the person is infected by the virus, it will infect anyone who uses it after. It is also apparent that the screen does not seem to be cleaned after between every other user, which causes another possibility of spreading the coronavirus. Apart from these reasons, the robot has been banned from the park. Due to lack of permits, according to Oleg Kivorkutsev, founder of Promobot and the spokesperson from the park.

Regardless of the motive of the company, the health and safety of the public is still the number one priority of the government. Amidst this crisis, experts advise to boost the immune system and avoid crowded places if possible since wearing a mask is not a hundred percent assurance to avoid contacting coronavirus.

People are also advised to be knowledgeable about the situation as it is known; we always say that prevention is still better than cure.