Robots, drones, AI and big data bring modern touch to disease control

On Feb 3, medical workers at Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital in the central province of Hubei welcomed a new "comrade", one who had no fear of the novel coronavirus even though he wasn't wearing protective clothing－a robot designed to deliver medication and meals.

"Please wear masks and wash your hands frequently during this special period. Let's conquer the difficulties together," the robot intoned as it moved around the Department of Respiratory Medicine.

Li Ming, deputy director of the hospital's information department, said the robot's route is based on a map set by a computer program.

Nurses bring meals for the 60 patients to the quarantine area and place them on the robot, which can deliver 10 to 15 in one journey, saving time and energy while also reducing human contact.

In a bid to save protective gear and prevent infections among medical workers, the hospital has launched an online system that allows doctors to check patients via video screens.

Meanwhile, an online diagnosis system has been built to support treatment in hospitals in Enshi and Xiangyang, both in Hubei, and the expert team at Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital has provided diagnoses for more than 30 patients via remote consultations.