Regency Specialist Hospital (Regency) is the first private hospital in Malaysia to use robotics to eliminate bacteria and viruses whilst also enhancing patient safety against COVID-19. 

The hospital has deployed a UV- disinfecting Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) called Sunburst UV Bots to combat COVID-19.

 Regency is the first private hospital in Malaysia to adopt this technology by PBA, a leading regional robotics and automation company headquartered in Singapore.

The Sunburst UV Bots kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. Built with an ultraviolet-C light module emitting powerful UV-C rays, these UV Bots can detect, navigate and adapt to changes in their environment, as well as identify the most efficient routes, such as in common areas, corridors, wards, and other facilities in the hospital.

“We care for our patients and visitors’ safety, which is of utmost importance to us. We are committed to ensure a safe environment to reduce risk of potential exposure of any viruses on our patients, doctors and operational staff. 

“Whether it is inside the wards or at common areas in our hospital, our patients and visitors must feel safe,” said Serena Yong, Chief Executive Officer of Regency Specialist Hospital.

“Using robots is definitely more efficient to help disinfect vast areas systematically and automatically. The job can be done quickly; within 10 minutes to disinfect an area of 15 sqm. 

“The entire process is fully automated and no manpower is required; relieving the strain on labour needed to disinfect large areas including our main lobby and all clinic as well as main corridors on the ground floor, whilst also ensuring staff safety.

“As this is an HMI Group initiative, we will also be implementing this technology across our sister hospital in Melaka, Mahkota Medical Centre,” added Yong.

Meanwhile, Derrick Yap, Chief Executive Officer of PBA Robotics said that as the leading robotics company in the region, Malaysia’s latest move represents PBA’s efforts in helping neighbouring countries battle against COVID-19. 

“By combining our existing technologies in Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) together with disinfecting technologies, we are able to ensure the safety of frontline workers, patients and the public in healthcare facilities,” he added. 

“We are excited to be working with Regency Specialist Hospital and Mahkota Medical Centre to bring our technology to the hospitals. 

“This will help us achieve our goals in combating the virus by rolling out the Sunburst UV Bots to hospitals in Malaysia. We have received overwhelming interest in the UV Bots from companies in various industries and markets, and we are also moving into other sectors across the region,” added Yap