Robotics and Intelligent Systems Against a Pandemic
Alaa Khamis, Jun Meng, Jin Wang, Ahmad Taher Azar, Edson Prestes, Howard Li, Ibrahim A. Hameed, Árpád Takács, Imre J. Rudas, Tamás Haidegger
Abstract
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus and its disease COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge for humanity. Intelligent systems and robotics particularly are helping the fight against COVID-19 several ways. Potential technology-driven solutions in this accelerating pandemic include, but are not limited to, early detection and diagnosis, assistive robots, indoor and outdoor disinfection robots, public awareness and patrolling, contactless last-mile delivery services, micro-and nano-robotics and laboratory automation. This article sheds light on the roles robotics and automation can play in fighting this disastrous pandemic and highlights a number of potential applications to transform this challenge into opportunities. The article also highlights the ethical implications of robotics and intelligent systems during the emergency side and in the post-pandemic world.