COVID-19: UTM, HCTM & DF Automation jointly develop “Makcik Kiah 19” robot

UTM said the project has gained strong support from all parties including Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI); Ministry of Health as well as Ministry of International Trade and Industry and it took less than two weeks for the team to develop the working prototype.

“MCK19 is expected to be tested at HCTM at the end of this week. If the robot is found useful, DF will commit to mass produce the robot to supply to hospitals in Malaysia or any organisations who need it,” it said.

Meanwhile, Yeong said DF, which has provided robotic solutions to the industry since 2012, believed that the robot could help with many tasks to reduce human presence such as for delivering, disinfection, cleaning, monitoring and services.

“MCK19 will be our first pilot trial, if this robot works well, we will proceed to other applications,” he added.

HCTM director Prof Datuk Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid expressed gratitude on the collaborations.

“This would be inaugural which is especially useful to aid our overwhelmed healthcare system during this pandemic and outbreak. I foresee robotics and automation will play an important part in hospitals in the near future to enhance the delivery of healthcare,” he said.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Ir Dr Wahid Omar said the invention of this robot is another UTM’s helping hand in combating the virus.

“As a university that is blessed with multiple expertise, we believe it is our responsibility to help the government especially the frontliners who are struggling to serve the people in this trying times for us all,” he said.

— BERNAMA