Omron's factory robots report for virus-fighting duty

Spraying disinfectant and projecting UV, machines cleanse hospitals and schools

20200626N Omron robot

Omron's robot can navigate hospitals, schools and other places that need disinfecting. (Photo courtesy of Omron)

SHUNTARO FUKUTOMI, Nikkei staff writer

OSAKA -- Omron has begun global sales of automated carrier robots fitted with ultraviolet lights or disinfectant sprayers that can sanitize hospitals and schools to prevent coronavirus infections, the Japanese company said Friday.

Under partnerships with system integrators in more than 10 countries, Omron sells robots originally designed to transport goods in factories to partners, which add the sterilizing functions and supply the robots to end users. The robots are priced at 6 million to 8 million yen ($56,000 to $74,600) each.

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