MTRC robots to disinfect trains

The MTR Corporation has gone high-tech in its fight against the coronavirus, introducing a fleet of robots to help clean its trains, RTHK reports.

The 20 box-like robots, about the size of a small fridge, will travel through the train carriages on their four wheels spraying disinfectant as they go.

They can either be controlled remotely, or given a pre-set route to follow through areas that may have been contaminated with the virus.

Railway officials said it would take each robot about four hours to disinfect a whole train.

Operations director Tony Lee said the robots will be spraying hydrogen peroxide, which he is said is safe but still effective in wiping out germs and viruses.

Lee said the robots, which cost HK$1 million each, will not replace the corporation's human cleaners.

He said they will be sent into areas where a confirmed coronavirus patient has been, and one has already been used at an MTR office in Mong Kok after a staff member there came down with the illness.

Meanwhile, bus operator KMB said it was taking steps to improve the ventilation on its fleet.

It said windows that can be opened will replace fixed ones on about 200 double-deckers over the next six months. Photo:RTHK.