Gov't to help produce more LISA robots to assist COVID-19 patients

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 16) — The government will help in producing robots that can allow health workers to accommodate COVID-19 patients without physical contact.

President Rodrigo Duterte's latest report to Congress said the Department of Science and Technology will help produce the Logistic Indoor Service Assistant Telepresence Robot, developed by researchers from the University of Santo Tomas.

The LISA Robot is a remote-controlled wheeled device which allows health workers to talk to their patients via wi-fi using a computer, a tablet or a cellphone.

"The DOST has approved the proposal submitted by the UST to produce more LISA Robots that can be deployed to health care facilities attending to COVID-19 patients," the report read.

The prototype, first developed by UST Professor Anthony James Bautista in April, can be controlled via a simple remote control and powered by a 12-volt battery, with an operating time of eight hours.

It also has a compartment to deliver medicines and small items to the patient.

The LISA robot may then be automated and programmed with a map to autonomously travel within the hospital premises once it is further developed, the UST Faculty of Engineering said.

There are 26,420 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, with 6,252 recoveries and 1,098 deaths as of Monday.