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<\/p>\nThe Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) at King Mongkut\u2019s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) is renowned for its robotics-related education courses. In line with accelerating Thailand\u2019s Industry 4.0 vision, the Institute\u2019s mission is to impart knowledge of robotics and automation to further robot technology development in the country.<\/p>\n
As the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic became clear, FIBO further enhanced its existing service robot to support healthcare workers. The robots are designed to help front-line healthcare professionals ward off the risk of infection through tele-monitoring and communication between medical personnel and patients.<\/p>\n
The FACO, short for FIBO against COVID-19, robotic series consists of four prototype robots. The first prototype, CARVER, an automatic guided vehicle, is designed to deliver food, drugs and medical supplies to COVID-19 patients in hospitals. In addition, the robot is equipped with an air purifier and can even sanitize the floor.<\/p>\n
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The second prototype, SOFA, can directly support healthcare workers in caring for COVID-19 patients. Enhancements include the ability to take patients\u2019 temperature through a thermal camera, a high-definition video camera to check the eyes and tongues of patients, and communication systems that enable medical personnel to speak with patients through the robot.<\/p>\n
The third and fourth robots serve specialized functions in the area of medicine and food delivery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese FACO robots can support doctors and nurses in crisis situations. Our healthcare workers face the most risk and are susceptible to contracting the disease themselves. If doctors and nurses become infected, the population as a whole is at risk of infection as well. Remote control of the robots and monitoring of patients can reduce the risk of contracting diseases,\u201d says Mr. Wuttichai Visarnkuna, Acting Deputy Director for Industry, Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT).<\/p>\n
During the testing period of the robots, medical professionals found SOFA to be extremely helpful and valuable. The high-quality camera was clear and helped in diagnosis. Doctors could also speak with patients through video conferencing, which helped to assuage patients\u2019 worries. In addition, patients found the robots \u201ccute,\u201d which helped to reassure them in these troubled times.<\/p>\n
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How SOLIDWORKS supported the design of the FACO robots<\/strong><\/p>\n During this time of crisis, FIBO needed to quickly adapt its robot designs to support the nation and healthcare workers in their time of need. \u201cOne of the biggest benefits of SOLIDWORKS is the ability to visualize the model quickly. This reduces the development time by more than 50 percent. In addition, computer-aided engineering also enables us to analyze the design in the virtual world and correct any flaws ahead of building the prototype. This helps us to move quickly, reduce waste and avoid reworking,\u201d says Visarnkuna.<\/p>\n Benefits of using SOLIDWORKS during the design stage include:<\/p>\n In these unprecedented times, we see how organizations can come together to help support each other. Metro Systems\u2019 recommendation of SOLIDWORKS applications as the platform best suited for FIBO has helped the Institute develop cutting-edge solutions that help society.<\/p>\n This article was written together with SOLIDWORKS value-added-reseller in Thailand, Metro Systems Thailand.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/fibo20covid-19________0062.jpg\")
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