Amazon Develops UV Light Robot to Sanitize Warehouses and Whole Foods Stores

Amazon has unveiled an innovative robot designed to eradicate the novel coronavirus using ultraviolet (UV) light. Resembling a hotel luggage cart, this robot features a tall metal frame mounted on a rectangular wheeled base, with one side equipped with over 10 UV tube lights.

In a video shared on CBS News' "60 Minutes," the robot is seen navigating the freezer aisle of a Whole Foods store, directing UV light towards the freezer doors. The primary function of this robot is to disinfect surfaces such as food packaging and door handles in both warehouses and Whole Foods locations.

Kristen Kish, an Amazon spokeswoman, explained that the company's robotics division has been actively designing and testing this UV robot. "Our Robotics group has evolved into an R&D lab for COVID innovations," Kish told Business Insider. "From using machine learning to enhance social distancing measures to now creating mobile UV sanitation units."

While these mobile units are not yet in use at any Amazon or Whole Foods Market locations, Kish expressed optimism about their potential. "We are continually innovating to support our employees, customers, and communities," she added.

Scientific Research on UV Light and Coronavirus The scientific community has long been studying the impact of UV light on viruses. Research indicates that UV light can alter the genetic material of viruses and other microbes, preventing them from reproducing. Specifically, far-UVC light, as investigated by Columbia University's Center for Radiological Research, can eliminate viruses without posing risks to human health. If proven effective against the coronavirus, this technology could be widely adopted for disinfecting both surfaces and the air.

However, equipping large stores or warehouses with these lights could be an expensive undertaking. The New York Times reports that one scientist estimated the cost to be around $100,000 to install UV lights in an average-sized Walmart store.