It was organized by UK RAS Network, UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Network based in United Kingdom. The project was designed to transport COVID patients safely and to avoid spreading of virus in the environment. The project was funded by IEEE HAC & SIGHT. COVID patients can be seated on the wheelchair covered by the negative pressure isolation hood and the operator/caretaker can use the teleoperation control method and operate the wheelchair from a safe distance of up to 4 meters without the need to touch the wheelchair. The negative pressure isolation hood using a HEPA filter was developed and integrated into this powered wheelchair. The negative pressure isolation not only prevents the spread of pathogenic microorganisms but also permits rapid and flexible isolation transport. The air discharged from ventilation is through HEPA filters and is purified to ensure no harmful pathogens are spreading out.
