A Custom Robotic Vehicle Prototype for Disinfecting Workplaces

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has heightened the need for advanced and automated disinfection methods to ensure workplace safety and hygiene. This study presents the design and implementation of a robotic vehicle capable of autonomously disinfecting high-risk areas in diverse work environments based on human activity levels. The system integrates a machine vision module using YOLOv5 for real-time human detection, a Decision Support System to assess contamination risks, an autonomous navigation module for path planning, and a user-friendly interface for operator control. By leveraging real-time data, the robot precisely applies disinfectant to identified high-risk zones, dynamically adjusting the spray volume based on the level of contamination. The system was validated in a real-world workplace setting, demonstrating its ability to autonomously perform targeted disinfection, offering a scalable solution to support workplace hygiene.