Advanced technologies applied in Chengdu to combat virus

Intelligent robots made in Chengdu are used in the city’s hospitals, to reduce the work pressure on frontline medical staff and help prevent and control the epidemic. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Advanced technologies -- including intelligent robots, remote temperature measurements and cutting-edge detection modes – are being deployed in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, in its fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic and to help the city resume normal operations.

A health report platform is used to monitor the real-time situation of people who stay at home for self-quarantine. The platform is based on what is known as insensible detection technology, which can cover every aspect that needs to be monitored.

On the platform, people at home are required to punch in information twice daily to record a health condition report. If they leave the monitoring area, the system sounds an automatic alarm. There is a one-button call function on the platform, which ensures people get prompt medical help when needed.

Officials said 5G thermal imagery temperature measurement systems are being used at bus stations and hospitals in Chengdu.

With this system, there is no need to test body temperatures one by one. One step into the monitoring area and thermal sensors catch the body temperature and display it in special color.

“When someone with a high body temperature appears, the system alarm will sound automatically,” said Deng Fei, who is in charge of the research and development of the system. Deng added that the system will also record the facial features of people with high body temperatures, so they can be accurately located.

Elsewhere, a great device to protect medical workers is intelligent temperature plaster, which can minimize contact with people under quarantine.

When the plaster -- half the size of a band-aid – is placed in the armpit, the remote temperature monitor shows body temperature for 24 hours. If a patient’s temperature hits 38C, an alarm is sent out.

Intelligent disinfection robots were also introduced in Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital since Feb 18. A robot can automatically go to designated areas and perform disinfections with nine ultraviolet lamps within its "belly", and then autonomously navigate back to its docking station for recharging.

“We must continue to strengthen technological support for epidemic prevention and control,” said Luo Qiang, mayor of Chengdu and the city’s commander for the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic.

He also asked local government departments to help businesses resume operations, ensuring that people can live and work in Chengdu without worrying about their safety.