Robots armed with virus-killing UV light could be the cabin cleaning crews of the future
Robots armed with ultraviolet light that can kill 99% of bacteria and pathogens, including coronavirus, are being tested on planes as a potential tool to restore passenger confidence.
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Related: We got an inside look at how Delta is cleaning planes
The robot cleaners come from the smartly-named Swiss startup Uveya and incorporates much of the same technology hospitals use. The high-tech cabin cleaning service uses environmentally-friendly UV-C rays - no chemicals -- to sanitize the air and all surfaces inside an airplane. The robot has lights mounted on a crucifix-shaped frame which provide a soft-blue glow as it moves up the aisle. The entire disinfection process reportedly takes just 13 minutes for single-aisle planes. Larger planes will likely take more time to complete the sanitary sweep.
Related: Traveling soon? Here’s how to get a COVID-19 test
The new technology was recently tried out on a regional Swiss carrier Helvetic Airways plane in Switzerland. René Marmet, Chief Operating Officer of Helvetic Airways, said, “By making available our infrastructure and fleet for testing, Helvetic Airways is significantly contributing to the development of a promising and innovative aircraft disinfection solution which aims to make air travel safer going forward.”
Aircraft companies still have to certify the robots, and it's still unclear what impact the UV light could have on a plane's interior upholstery. But a company official is confident its three prototype robots will clear the trials with flying colors. "We believe this collaboration will help assure aircraft are clean, safe and up to the high-level standards of this industry," said Uveya's Business Development Manager, Tristan Chevignard.
Related: How airlines are working to keep it clean
If they can speed up the turnaround time, it could make the automated technology an enticing option for airlines. More important, the robots could be the answer for airlines looking to reassure travelers it's safe to fly without the fear of catching COVID-19.
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Cons
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- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
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- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
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- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023