UV-C Disinfection Robots: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The use of ultraviolet (UV-C) disinfection robots has become increasingly popular in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, public transportation, and high-traffic areas, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. These robots offer the potential to enhance disinfection efficiency and reduce human exposure to microorganisms. However, the application of UV-C light for disinfection is not without challenges. These challenges include the need for precise environmental mapping, accurate dose delivery, and the mitigation of safety risks associated with UV-C light exposure to humans and animals. This systematic review aims to examine the current development of UV-C disinfection robots, identify key technological challenges, and explore the methods used to ensure effective and safe disinfection. An automated search was conducted in Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and SpringerLink for studies published up to July 2023, followed by snowballing to gather additional relevant works. A total of 96 studies were reviewed. The majority of these studies either did not address the correct UVGI dose application or lacked methods to ensure appropriate dose delivery. Additionally, the positioning of UV-C lamps was often done subjectively, and most studies did not incorporate any safety measures to prevent accidents related to UVGI exposure. Based on this analysis, a new classification for UV-C disinfection robots was proposed, highlighting technological advancements and readiness levels. Despite the progress made in the field, significant challenges remain in developing UV-C disinfection robots that deliver effective disinfection doses while ensuring safety and operational efficiency. This review emphasizes the need for further research to address these gaps, particularly concerning navigation algorithms, dose accuracy, and safety measures.