Robots that do SafeEntry and temperature checks, touch-free lifts among new technology adopted by NUHS hospitals

• The National University Health System hopes the new tech will reduce manpower, increase efficiency 
• Drones that detect exterior defects among technology being implemented
• Hospital staff will have fewer menial tasks and will be encouraged to upgrade their skills 

SINGAPORE — Visitors to hospitals under the National University Health System (NUHS) will soon be greeted by robots who will take their temperature, verify their SafeEntry check-in and ensure that they are wearing their mask properly.  

They will also be able to use a hospital lift without having to touch any buttons. 

The NUHS, which is made up of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, National University Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital and Alexandra Hospital, on Thursday (Sept 24) unveiled the new technology that it will be rolling out over the next few months.

With the adoption of this technology, NUHS says that manpower, cost and time resources will be reduced by at least 50 per cent. 

Mr Ng Kian Swan, NUHS’ chief operating officer of group facilities management, said: "Hospitals are important assets and there is a continuing need to make it safer, smarter and of course greener. 

“By leveraging on technology, Internet-of-Things and artificial intelligence, it helps us to drive efficiency, productivity, safety, and most importantly, it also provides a platform for us to upskill our fellow colleagues.”

Here is what to expect at the four hospitals progressively from October: 

CONCIERGE AND SECURITY ROBOT 'KENOBI'

•  

  This robot takes the temperature of visitors and verifies their SafeEntry check-in

•  

  If a visitor does not comply, it can lock the entry turnstile, preventing the visitor from entering

•  

  It can also identify breaches, including individuals who are not wearing a mask when attempting to enter the hospital, and send that information to security staff

•  

  Kenobi reduces the need for staff to conduct manual tasks such as screening and reduces their potential exposure to illnesses. The robot also frees up their time for more value-added jobs

SECURITY ROBOT 

•  

  This robot patrols high-traffic areas to look out for suspicious persons and items

•  

  It is also able to detect security incidents and undesirable behaviours such as smoking

•  

  A built-in compartment on the robot also holds a first-aid kit

•  

  These robots will be implemented at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in October, National University Hospital in November, and Alexandra Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital in 2021

DRONES

•  

  NUHS is the first healthcare group in Singapore to use drones to conduct building inspections

•  

  These drones can detect exterior building defects such as loose screws, peeling paint, cracks and water leaks

•  

  The traditional practice of using scaffolding and gondolas to inspect a building costs, on average, S$28,000 per building

•  

  These drones cost S$4,000 in comparison, and will be used quarterly

•  

  It takes only two to four hours to complete an inspection, while the traditional method takes about two to three months

•  

  Security surveillance drones will also patrol the exterior of hospitals, reducing the need for manpower

TOUCH-FREE LIFTS

•  

  Lifts in areas that have high footfall will have touch-free buttons to reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses

•  

  Users just need to hover their finger near the button that they want to press

•  

  The lift buttons still work if pressed and have braille markings for the visually impaired

•  

  This will be implemented in selected lifts at NUHS hospitals by March 2021

OTHER TECHNOLOGY

•  

  Thermal sensors will track ambient temperature humidity. Such sensors prevent temperature-related damage and reduce energy consumption

•  

  Water level sensors will also be implemented in specific locations of the hospital to improve the visibility of potential flood situations or wastewater overflow which may disrupt hospital operations

•  

  The water sensors cost S$40 and are estimated to save the hospital up to S$2,000 in manpower costs

•  

  An energy dashboard has also been implemented. This allows staff to view what resources are being used on a real-time basis