Construcción de un robot autónomo para desinfección de superficies mediante luz ultravioleta.

Abstract

The present graduate research project was to build an autonomous robot for disinfection surfaces with ultraviolet light due to the need to eliminate different types of bacteria or viruses that are harmful to humans. An autonomous robot was developed to carry out this project, allowing the surfaces to be disinfection with UV-C light. It is important to emphasize that this type of light is dangerous when it is in direct contact with humans; for that reason, a study of the damage and an investigation of similar robots available in the market. Before the prototype construction, an analysis of possible components to be used was developed in the system's conception. Afterward, each element was implemented, and the disinfection time was taken as a basis established by the manufacturer of the commercial UV-C light. For security purposes, a Sharp sensor was used for the activation system for the light to avoid possible leakage. An obstacle detection and avoidance system with two sensors (ultrasonic and infrared), a sensor for the return home, and an Arduino development board were also in charge of controlling the engines. Finally, it consisted of a system of battery monitoring and power status. It is concluded that, by establishing a range of measurement for the detection and avoidance of obstacles, an average error of 1cm in the measurement of the front sensor, which did not present significant interference in its advance, additionally it has an autonomous operation of 90 minutes and a weight of 740.08g. For future research, it is recommended to use artificial vision to map the obstacles presented on the surface and thus avoid them.