Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
Abu Dhabi Airports deploys new robot for disinfection service
Abu Dhabi Airports said it has partnered with Tawazun Strategic Development Fund (TSDF) to launch a new robot that specialises in the disinfection of viruses. It has been designed and manufactured by Marakeb Technologies, an affiliate of TSDF.
Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Tawazun Strategic Development Fund (TSDF) to launch a new unmanned ground vehicle that will help in the disinfection of viruses including COVID-19.
The new CoDi BOT UGV has been designed and manufactured by UAE-based company Marakeb Technologies, an affiliate company of TSDF.
The new state-of-the-art technology is the latest measure introduced by Abu Dhabi Airports to contain the spread of COVID-19, and aligns with the directives of Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.
This collaboration is part of a broader initiative by Abu Dhabi Airports to integrate the most advanced technologies within its operations, to achieve a high level of efficiency, and provide the best services to its travellers.
The CoDi BOT UGV will be piloted from May throughout Abu Dhabi International Airport, including in staff areas and cargo facilities, as well as being used as part of cabin deserialization processes on passenger aircraft, said the statement from Abu Dhabi Airports.
The BOT has three central functions:
*Targeting of virus strains on surfaces with controlled bursts of germicidal UV rays
*Screening of individual through thermal infrared monitoring
*Disinfection of areas using liquid cleaning agents
Specifically ensuring aircraft cabins are kept clean and sterile, the CoDi BOT UGV is designed to be able to manoeuvre through airplane cabin, which is a unique feature of this product, while ensuring the safety of its operators through remote control capability, using real-time video and high-speed 4G data connection, it stated.
The introduction of the robot helps operational teams carry out safer missions during the sterilisation of aircraft while parked at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), eliminating the risk of human exposure and self-contamination.
The robot’s versatility also enables the disinfection of spaces within the airport terminals, reinforcing public safety against COVID-19 and any future virus outbreaks.
The UGVs will be operated in conjunction with the extensive range of preventative measures implemented at AUH in response to Covid-19. Measures include thermal screening, nasal swabbing, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, in line with the recommendations by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
Abu Dhabi Airports CEO Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi said: "Introducing CoDi BOT UGV at AUH reflects our commitment to adopting innovative technology, which can bolster the protection of our passengers and frontline staff against viruses."
"The acute impact of the pandemic would have heightened our overall sense of awareness toward hygiene, and as vital piece of public infrastructure, we have a clear responsibility to ensure our spaces remain clear of any virus threat. By deploying artificial intelligence, it adds another layer of protection and builds on our comprehensive response to the COVID-19 outbreak," he stated.
TSDF head and Marakeb Technologies Chairman Abdulla Nasser Al Jaabari said: "We are pleased to support Abu Dhabi Airports’ advanced vision, such collaboration gives opportunity for Marakeb Technologies to display its capabilities to provide advanced solution through technologies towards effort to fight Covid 19."