LG unveils robot for COVID-19 fight

LG Electronics has unveiled a new robot that kills germs with ultraviolet lamps.

The new robot will be displayed at 2020 Korea Electronics Show in COEX from December 9 to 12.

The robot uses ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamps on its sides to kill germs. UV-C has wavelengths between 100 to 280nm which can kill various germs.

LG said tests on the lamps by Korea Conformity Laboratories showed that it killed 99.9% of coliform bacteria and staphylococcus aureus bacteria within a meter distance.

The robot has self-driving and obstacle avoidance technologies. LG said the robot, being 160 tall, will be able to wipe germs in places reachable by human hands. It is optimal for use in hotels, hospitals and schools where there are many separate areas, the company said.

There is also a type that sprays disinfectant instead in development, LG added.