Are UV Disinfection Robots Here to Stay?

By Avory Brookins

Photo: “201014-N-RG482-0033” by Navy Medicine, licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked an increase in demand for UV disinfection robots, which use ultraviolet radiation to kill germs in the air and/or on surfaces. Hospitals have been using UV light for years to do this, but now other businesses, such as hotels, airports and stadiums, have been deploying the technology too.

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering if UV robots are just a trend or if they’re expected to stick around for good, especially within the industries that weren’t using them prior to the pandemic. After a little digging, here’s what I discovered. 

The Future Looks Bright (Pun Intended)

According to The Washington Post, analysts and tech firms believe UV disinfection robots “are here to stay and will continue to crop up in new places as prices fall.” The same article mentions that there are “probably 100 companies” globally that have started tapping into the UV disinfection market since the pandemic began – a market that research shows has a positive outlook. 

A report by Verified Market Research says that the market value of UV disinfection robots is projected to grow from $172.70 million in 2019 to $5.57 billion by 2027. 

Analysts point out that sustaining a market for these robots is contingent upon COVID-19 leaving a “lasting impact on the American psyche.” There’s a good chance that could happen, as many scientists believe the virus will become endemic, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. An endemic disease is one that is always present in humans within a specific region or geographical area. HIV, the flu and malaria are a few examples. 

Additionally, health experts say global viral outbreaks are becoming more common and that the public should prepare for more of them. 

So, due to the current and projected demand, increase in UV robot manufacturers, and likelihood of more viral outbreaks, it’s safe to assume that UV robots will play a vital role in combating future epidemics/pandemics while maintaining the higher cleanliness standards that have emerged as a result of COVID-19.    

Designing Efficient, Reliable UV Robots With Engineered Plastics

It’s clear why it’s more important than ever for you to stand out from the competition and design efficient, reliable UV disinfection robots with extended, guaranteed service lives. 

igus® helps businesses do that by offering highly engineered, maintenance-free plastic components that have been rigorously tested for reliability.

Our line of self-lubricating iglide® plastic bearings (pictured above to the right) are made of tribologically-optimized polymer blends consisting of base materials for wear resistance, reinforcing fibers for high forces, and solid lubricants that eliminate the need for external oil and grease. They’re lightweight and resistant to dirt, dust, chemicals and corrosion. We also offer additional bearing types designed with iglide® technology, including slewing ring bearings (pictured left), self-aligning bearings and plastic ball bearings.

drylin® products – such as linear bearings, actuators and lead screw assemblies – feature plastic sliding elements (instead of recirculating ball bearings) that offer the same advantages of iglide®. 

High-cycle chainflex® flexible cables and high-strength e-chain® cable carriers allow you to design reliable cable management systems that are guaranteed to last 36 months. Learn more about the chainflex® guarantee here and the e-chain® guarantee here. 

chainflex® flexible cables feature PUR/TPE outer jackets that are hydrolysis and microbe-resistant (cleanroom ISO class 1 ratings). Their low bend radii make them ideal for use inside robots with limited space. We also offer micro e-chain® cable carriers (pictured above) with easy-to-open crossbars for that same purpose. Turnkey cable management solutions are available as well.

For more information about igus® components for UV robots, visit our website or contact us here.

Sources:

• www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/08/robot-cleaners-surge-pandemic/
• www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/08/lg-uv-robots/
• www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/uv-c-disinfection-robots-market/
• www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/07/24/scientists-fear-covid-19-will-establish-itself-forever-humans/5470541002/
• www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-an-endemic-disease-3132825
• www.wsj.com/articles/viral-outbreaks-once-rare-become-part-of-the-global-landscape-11583455309