Desenvolvimento e controle de um robô móvel aplicado em ambientes hospitalares

Abstract

Hospital environments, characterized by high patient flow and the critical nature of their activities, are prone to the spread of pathogens, which favors the emergence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). These infections represent a global challenge, impacting the quality of care and mortality rates, especially in developing countries, where resource scarcity and limited expertise in epidemiological control exacerbate the situation. The increasing demand for hospital beds, coupled with events such as pandemics, intensifies the need for effective measures to prevent cross-contamination, while simultaneously overburdening healthcare professionals. In this context, the incorporation of technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence shows promise, although it still faces challenges related to its large-scale implementation and accessibility. Therefore, this study aims to develop a mobile robot for the safe and efficient delivery of food and medication in healthcare institutions, with an emphasis on serving patients in isolation. The method employed consisted of a structured experimental development in six stages, encompassing the design of cargo compartments, a UVC decontamination system, remote monitoring via MQTT protocol, facial recognition, and autonomous navigation. The technological solution integrates temperature monitoring of transported items, disinfection by UVC radiation, and identification by facial recognition, mitigating contamination risks and promoting greater safety in the care provided. The project seeks to combine technological innovation and sustainability in overcoming the challenges faced by hospital systems. The results obtained demonstrate effectiveness in thermal control for maintaining items at 65 °C and 4 °C, stability in germicidal emission with a 92.78% increase in radiation intensity, and 100% accuracy in facial identification tests, validating the functional viability of the proposal and its potential for effective application in the hospital context. As a direct result of the innovation and applicability of the developed solution, a utility model registration was obtained from the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), entitled "GUIDED VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING FOOD AND MEDICINE TO PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL ISOLATION", under number BR 20 2024 002870-3, with a filing date of February 14, 2024, national publication on May 28, 2024, and grant on September 2, 2025. This registration demonstrates the innovative nature of the technology and its potential for transfer to society and the health sector, representing a significant contribution to the modernization and optimization of care processes.