A joint team from the November 10 Institute of Technology (ITS) and Airlangga University Hospital (RSUA) in Surabaya, East Java, has launched a medical assistant robot named RAISA, which stands for Robot medical Assistant ITS-Airlangga.

RAISA can be used to minimize contact between medical personnel and COVID-19 patients while reducing the demand for hazmat suits and other protective equipment.

ITS rector Mochamad Ashari said the project was the result of a joint initiative between Airlangga University and the East Java provincial administration to help solve problems caused by the pandemic.

“We hope this contribution can provide benefits for medical personnel and the public,” he said as quoted on ITS' official website. 

Standing at 1.5-meters tall, RAISA is operated with a joystick remote control and is equipped with four trays to carry up to 50 kilograms.

It has a monitor for a two-way communication between medical personnel and the patient.

The robot operates by Wi-Fi and has a 0.85 kWh battery for up to eight to 10 hours. One RAISA unit is estimated to cost Rp 100 million (US$6,358).

Ashari said that RAISA was designed by ITS robotic experts who had won awards in international competitions.

“As we collaborated with medical personnel from RSUA, we could add features that can be beneficial for patients,” he said.

The robot can be used to treat patients in isolation for services such as by carrying food, clothes and medicine. (gis/wng)