MechChem Africa March-April 2023

⎪ Hydraulic, pneumatic and automation solutions ⎪

OMRON and Mamello Clinical Solutions deliver SA’s first HERO21 sanitisation robots

The safety of patient and healthcare workers in South African hospitals is set to reach a new level of excellence with the launch of the revolutionary HERO21 robotic sanitisation system – the first two units of which have been installed at Polokwane Provincial Hospital.

H ERO21 robotic sanitisation units are used in medical environments as well as other industries to dis infect rooms, protect employees and significantly reduce the risk of infections. The robotic system was developed by Ger man company ICA Health, endorsed by Ruhr University Bochum and global electronics group OMRON Corporation. OMRON is re sponsible for the production of the robotics components, which are supported by its South African operation. Mamello Clinical Solutions (MCS) is the exclusive distributor and service partner for the HERO21 system for sub-Saharan Africa. Robert Makhubedu, business development manager at MCS, explains: “The HERO21 robot incorporates pioneering ultraviolet-C disinfection technology, which addresses the hygiene challenges of our time.” Conventional disinfection methods in hospitals, such as wiping and scrubbing, are often inadequate and can even promote germ resistance. “The HERO21 provides the highest level of disinfection performance and thus offers optimal protection. When disinfecting con taminated rooms with the HERO21, the clean ing staff, who normally work in the front line, are exposed to a far lower risk of infection,” Makhubedu says. UVC radiation destroys all pathogens – in

cluding bacteria and viruses – in the targeted environment. Because UVC radiation is effec tive on its own, the HERO21 robot is a dry, chemical-free system. "We are pleased to have delivered the first HERO21 disinfection robots in South Africa. We have found in Mamello Clinical Solutions an ideal service and sales partner for a long and successful partnership. With the successful installation of the first two devices in Polokwane, a major milestone has been reached,” says Steffen Kriege, Head of Product Management at ICA Health. Commenting on the relationship between OMRON and ICA Health, Evert Jansen Van Vuuren, OMROM Robotisation Solutions co ordinator says: “Our mission as OMRON is to improve the lives of people we operate with and serve. The HERO21 robot disinfects mul tiple areas so that people from all walks of life can work in a safe, germ-free environment.” While sanitising systems have been in use for years, the HERO21 works well with the OMRON AMR navigation technology, which enables it to operate remotely without human intervention. The Covid pandemic motivated ICA Health to ramp up the development of a robust system for hospitals. The HERO21 system is effective in high risk areas including operating theatres, emergency rooms, and ICUs – as well as in other hospital settings. Because UVC

radiation is dangerous, people are removed from the room to be sanitised and the robot moves through the space. Disinfection is achieved automatically, precisely, quickly and efficiently. The robot achieves a disinfection level of over 99.99% with a coverage of 360° in the designated area. The cleaning cycle takes two to three minutes to disinfect an average sized room, such as an operating theatre. The robot’s navigation system in the target area is driven by world-renowned OMRON LD90 robotics. The launch of the HERO21 robotic system adds a new dimension to MCS’s established product offering. “Our strategy is to become a distributor of choice for the world’s leading equipment and technology manufacturers, specifically geared to South African condi tions. This partnership with OMRON means that we are adding new brands, products, and software systems to our range to serve a broader customer base. The HERO21 robot will make a massive difference in terms of patient and worker safety. It is an economi cally validated, reliable solution,” Makhubedu concludes. Apart from applications in the medical and healthcare sectors, the HERO21 is also suited to other industries such as hotels, restaurants and catering, pharmaceuticals, and corporate office buildings. www.industrial.omron.co.za Evert Janse Van Vuuren of OMRON demonstrates the HERO21 robot at a demonstration day held, in partnership with Mamello Clinical Solutions, at OMRON’s Johannesburg headquarters. The first of two HERO21 robotic sanitisation systems has now been installed at Polokwane Provincial Hospital.

The HERO21 system is effective in high-risk areas including operating theatres, emergency rooms, and ICUs – as well as in other hospital settings.

March-April 2023 • MechChem Africa ¦ 29