ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Technology

Hygiene-obsessed Singapore deploys robots to keep coronavirus away

Labor shortage caused by pandemic drives tech cleaning market

The novel coronavirus has increased demand for cleaning robots. (Photo by Mayuko Tani)

SINGAPORE -- With the spread of the coronavirus making it even more imperative to maintain public facilities spotless, Singapore is turning to robots to get the job done as the pandemic sends home foreign workers who have traditionally filled that role.

At the city state's Alexandra Hospital this month, a sleek robot quietly glided through the halls while scrubbing the floor. Called "Ella," the smart bot cleans hallways and can stop when someone approaches from the opposite direction.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more