Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, has introduced the Badger UV Disinfect robot, an autonomous ultraviolet (UV) disinfecting robot designed to combat COVID-19 and high-risk pathogens commonly found in grocery, food-service and retail environments. The latest in the lineup of Badger Technologies autonomous robots, the Badger UV Disinfect robot is equipped with advanced UV-C technology developed by UltraViolet Devices Inc., a provider of air and surface disinfection solutions.
Early testing of the new Badger Technologies autonomous robot with UVDI’s 254nm UV-C technology indicates 99 percent and greater inactivation of corona viruses, E.coli, Salmonella enterica and Influenza A. Testing results also show that the Badger UV Disinfect robot can decontaminate 40,000 square feet in about two hours, enabling rapid disinfection of typical store spaces, including shelves, aisles and checkout areas.
“We’re proud to work with Badger Technologies to advance store safety combining globally trusted technologies in ultraviolet disinfection and robotics,” said Peter Veloz, CEO of UltraViolet Devices Inc. “Together, we can provide enhanced surface disinfection in public spaces with a self-navigating, autonomous UV disinfecting solution that’s proven effective and simple for retailers to implement safely.”
Collaboration in robotics and UV-C disinfection leadership
UVDI’s advanced UV-C technology, which is used by more than 1,000 hospitals in more than 25 countries, has proven its effectiveness in limiting healthcare-associated infections, according to several published clinical studies. Most recently, UVDI announced the results of independent testing conducted by Innovative Bioanalysis, an accredited BSL-3 laboratory. The data revealed that UVDI’s UV-C disinfecting technology achieved greater than 99.99 percent inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus strain that causes COVID-19, within five minutes of application at a distance of 12 feet. UVDI’s indoor air-quality solutions also are in use at more than 10,000 international commercial sites.
“Disinfecting retail stores is an ideal job for our robots as they can navigate aisles effortlessly,” said Tim Rowland, CEO of Badger Technologies. “We’re pleased to work with UVDI to help grocers and retailers quickly address COVID-19 contamination concerns while supporting long-term strategies for more effective infection prevention in retail environments.”
Advancing retail automation and infection prevention
To advance retail automation and infection prevention, Badger Technologies and UVDI will conduct micro-efficacy testing and in-store pilots of the Badger UV Disinfect robot during the first quarter of this year.
The Badger UV Disinfect robot joins the Badger Retail inSight robot, a shelf-scanning robot that addresses out-of-stock, planogram compliance and price integrity issues, and Badger Retail inSpect robot, a floor-scanning robot that automates hazard detections, such as spilled liquids and other debris.
More than 500 Badger Technologies’ autonomous robots have been deployed by the company throughout the U.S. and Australia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these multipurpose robots have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles alongside essential workers to help keep shelves stocked, products priced correctly and floors clean.
Badger Technologies is based in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
