UV light robot destroys coronavirus in 2 minutes

Japan distributor Terumo eyes broader sales for hospital disinfection

20200503N disinfection 3

Automating disinfection would reduce the chances of human workers contracting COVID-19. © Reuters

JUNICHI OSHITA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- A machine that uses ultraviolet light to disinfect hospitals has been shown to deactivate the novel coronavirus in just two minutes, providing a potentially effective method of removing the virus from public spaces. 

Texas-based Xenex Disinfection Services recently announced a successful test of its LightStrike robot against the virus. The robot, sold in Japan by medical equipment maker Terumo, emits light of wavelengths between 200 and 315 nanometers to decontaminate beds, doorknobs and other surfaces.

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