PUBLIC HEALTH AND INFECTION CONTROL
Crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic has offered many important lessons for scientists, healthcare providers, public health experts and policymakers all over the world. Among them is the importance of improving environmental hygiene as a mean to raise protection for frontline workers and the general public. To help our society prepare for the next big threat, the team at Avalon established the Respiratory Virus Research Foundation in 2015. Its goal is to support the research and development of innovative technology and equipment aimed at reducing transmission of infectious agents in transportation systems and other public spaces.
Avalon SteriTech, our flagship cleaning and infection control solution-provider, offers a full suite of products and services that include consultation, tailor-made plans and technical training for our clients, with the goal of helping them devise and implement long-term strategies for cleaning and disinfection.
Conventional cleaning and vacuuming tools are no longer enough under the new norm of the pandemic. To restore public confidence in environmental hygiene, more effective routine disinfection and cleaning procedures are top priorities for both the government and businesses.
Mr. Lewis Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Avalon SteriTech
Developed by the joint venture between Avalon SteriTech and SoftbBank Robotics, Whiz Gambit is the first disinfection robot to achieve Performance Mark by SGS Hong Kong. The device, which has been proven to be effective in eliminating over 99% of micro bacteria on a surface, exemplifies how the concept of cobots, or collaborative robots, can be applied to the public health and cleaning sector. Cobots, as the name suggests, differs from traditional robotic solutions in that it places strong emphasis on the interaction and relationship with human workface. With machines taking over monotonous, repetitive and strenuous tasks, human workers can redirect their time and expertise on more dedicated and nuanced needs.
Co-developed by Avalon SteriTech and MTR Corporation, MoonStar is a four-wheel drive (4WD) disinfection robot that is highly maneuverable and can overcome challenging physical terrain to execute disinfection operations. The device, which has been regularly deployed to disinfect the Hong Kong metro system to combat the ongoing pandemic, is equipped with a dual-nozzle system and can dispense vapourised hydrogen peroxide or professional disinfectants covering all exposed surfaces and crevices with highly effective anti-bacterial effects.
To improve health protection for hospital and other frontline staff, Avalon has been working with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to develop textile and material used for personal protective equipment, including clothing, gloves, and facemasks. A highlight of this collaboration is a project supported by the Hong Kong government’s Public Sector Trial Scheme, which sees our team provide washable antimicrobial fabric products to hospitals and elderly houses. The organizations include the Li Ka Shing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly and the United Christian Hospital.