The outbreak of novel coronavirus has sparked a global health crisis and the robotics research and innovation communities form an integral part of our response. Now more than ever, it is evident that robotics has a key role to play. Across the world, robots and drones are being repurposed and deployed as part of the COVID-19 response. 

There are robots disinfecting hospitals; automated systems supporting the testing of millions of people quickly and reliably; robots undertaking infection control and operating on patients; and robotic platforms delivering medical supplies and food to the most vulnerable. In the case of clinical care, areas of specific importance include disease prevention, diagnosis and screening, and patient care and disease management.

The COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to galvanize medical robot technologies, as they play an increasingly major role in combating contagious diseases.

This new challenge is aimed at entries that could offer solutions as part of a multi-faceted response to this and future global pandemics. 

Call for Entries

Given the current crisis we are running this challenge online.

All applicants are asked to send a 2-minute video demo of their entry. This is to be submitted via the online form on our website.

Key Deadlines

– Submission of video entries:  30^th September

– Review and acceptance: 14^th October

– Final Video, Presentation & two-page Paper: 28^th October

– Online Presentation and Interview: 6^th November

We are aware that some of you may not have access to your laboratories, so we are happy to be flexible. 

Please contact us to discuss any questions or issues you may have.