Robots deployed to shopping malls to prevent virus spread

A group of robots has been introduced at one Bangkok shopping mall, helping enforce cleaning measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thailand is in the process of reopening shopping malls after they were closed for two months.

Bangkok: It's not just shoppers roaming the Central World Mall in Bangkok. An array of robots has been introduced, part of an array of measures to try to stop COVID-19 coming through its doors.

As Thailand reopens its shopping malls, technology is at the forefront of keeping these spaces safe. Thermal scanners check visitors' temperatures as they enter the building.

And there's a rigorous cleaning program that includes automatic disinfecting of escalator handrails using ultra-violet light. But its this group of robots that's grabbing attention.

There's 'PP', whose screen can carry public health messages. There's 'LISA', which stands for 'Live Intelligent Service Assistant', who can help people find facilities, such as hand gel dispensers.

'ROC' or 'Robot for Care' scans temperatures for anyone testing over 37.5 degrees Celsius. And finally, there's 'K9', who roams the mall with a bottle of hand sanitizer on its back.

These battery-powered workers currently patrol the mall's ground floor, currently with a support team. When fully integrated, they will operate autonomously using new 5G technology to guide them around their domain.

According to the deputy CEO of the Central Pattana mall group, shoppers will have to get used to this, post-COVID-19. "This is something that is a new innovation that is just happening in Thailand and I think it is well accepted," says Wallaya Chirathivat.

"They find that they're friendly and it is helping everyone. It is like something new, it's a new normal life that they have to see in every day maybe from now."

According to AIS, the Thai company that developed the robots, 'ROC' is probably the most advanced of the quartet. It's already in use at a number of Thai hospitals.

But there's no doubt which robot grabs the most attention.

'K9' was originally in use at entertainment events. But when the call came from Central Pattana for robotic helpers, developers at AIS came up with the idea for its new role overnight.

The sight and sound certainly make some shoppers stop and stare.

"It is quite surprising, a surprise to me. It sounds like a horse riding, you know. And it is OK," says 35-year-old shopper Worrawit Pattaranit.

AIS says the feedback has been extremely positive. "Excitement, a lot of excitement. The kids especially love the robots," says Petra Bhanubandh from the company's branding team.

"I think and it came at the right time where social distancing is a safety measure right now so they're robots, not people, you know, so it's like, interacting with robots can help a lot at this time."

While the aim behind using the robots in the mall is to drive home messages about social distancing and hygiene, developers think another lesson may be learnt to the ever-growing presence of technology in our lives.

"I think it teaches people that technology can really have an impact on everyday life," says Bhanubandh.

For the group that runs the mall, the need is more immediate. After closing for two months, Central Pattana needs to see its 33 malls nationwide return to their former bustling selves.

The robot quartet is playing its part in convincing shoppers that it's safe and hygienic to venture through the doors once more.

(With inputs from AP)