Mobile Robots and RFID Technology-Based Smart Care Environment for Minimizing Risks Related to Employee Turnover during Pandemics

Anja Poberznik, Mirka Leino, Jenni Huhtasalo, Taina Jyräkoski, Pauli Valo, Tommi Lehtinen, Joonas Kortelainen, Sari Merilampi and Johanna Virkki
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Anja Poberznik: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Mirka Leino: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Jenni Huhtasalo: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Taina Jyräkoski: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Pauli Valo: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Tommi Lehtinen: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Joonas Kortelainen: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Sari Merilampi: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, 28130 Pori, Finland
Johanna Virkki: Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: During a pandemic, it is imperative that all staff members have up-to-date information on changing work practices in the healthcare environment. This article presents a way to implement work environment orientation amongst different groups in care facilities by utilizing mobile robots, radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, and data synthesis. We offer a scenario based on a co-design approach, in which a mobile robot works as an orientation guide for new employees, RFID tags are applied on objects around the premises and people’s clothing. The mobile robot takes advantage of the information provided by its known location and each RFID tag read by the RFID reader integrated with the robot. We introduce the scenario here, along with the details of its practical test implementation. Further, the challenges met in the test implementation are discussed as well as the future potential of its application. In conclusion, our study indicates that repetitive training and orientation-related duties can be successfully transferred to a mobile robot. Through RFID, the mobile robot can deliver the relevant information to the right people and thus contribute to patient and personnel safety and the resource efficiency of the orientation process.

Keywords: passive UHF RFID; NFC; co-design; employee orientation; mobile robot; healthcare; technology; patient safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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