Orlando Health introduces robot technology to disinfect patient rooms

Xenex robots were used to clean MERS patient rooms

LONGWOOD, Fla. – The South Seminole Hospital has introduced new technology--a robot--that zaps away bacteria and viruses in patient rooms, according to an Orlando Health news release.

The 3-foot-tall robot called Xenex stretches to over 5 feet tall and flashes high intensity ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air. This technology cleans rooms in minutes without the use of chemicals.

A Xenex robot was most recently used to clean the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital rooms where MERS patients were treated.

Xenex robots are part of an initiative to keep healthcare-associated infection rates low, according to a news release.