A PORTABLE robotic device developed by a team at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) can be used in throat swab tests for COVID-19 to reduce infection risks to medical workers when performing tests, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported Sunday.

Nucleic acid testing is an indispensable step in screening and confirming COVID-19 patients. The invention by the research team headed by Wang Hongqiang, assistant professor with Machinery and Energy Engineering Department, can provide good help to medical employees when collecting samples for tests.

The device was developed through two months of research. It can be controlled remotely, keeping a safe distance between medical workers and those tested.

As it is small in size and lightweight, it can be used widely at clinics and in communities, and lower the cost for tests.

When operating the remote handler, medical workers can collect the samples through observing footage of the throat through the cameras installed in the robot.

SUSTech has been involved in researching and developing products in coronavirus prevention and control since January.

A research team at SUSTech had found that a mix of astragalus polysaccharides and strontium may raise hope for the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Animal testing started this May and if it goes well, the final results will come out in July or August. In addition to the injection, the researchers also developed an extract from the treatment that is suitable for oral administration for humans.

In February, a team headed by Sun Dazhi, associate professor with Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Department, developed anti-moisture disinfectant wipes suitable for goggles, which ensure goggle lens to remain fog-free for at least 24 hours. The wipes make it easier for health workers in the battle against COVID-19.

In March, when the masks were in high demand for COVID-19 prevention and control, a SUSTech medical team invented a low-cost mask-disinfection device, the size of a microwave oven and compact enough to be kept on a tabletop, to help make face masks reusable.

The device, developed by Cheng Xin, professor with material science and engineering department, can disinfect used masks, killing off bacteria and viruses in three minutes through infrared and ultraviolet fluorescent lamps without causing damage to the protective equipment.  

(Han Ximin)