The VHP Robot was developed jointly by MTR and Avalon Biomedical, a Hong Kong biotechnology company. The robots are designed to automatically spray hydrogen peroxide solution, which is atomised to a specific concentration to ensure that disinfectants penetrate small gaps which are difficult to reach during normal cleaning.
The objective is to eliminate viruses and bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. MTR says the VHP Robot has passed tests and achieved the desired results. VHP Robot operates automatically by pre-setting the floor plan of the designated area. It is also possible to remotely control the robot manually within a distance of 20m using a mobile device. MTR says it normally takes about four hours to clean an eight-car train in automatic mode.
MTR staff can also deploy the VHP Robot to deep clean a special situation, such as a passenger vomiting on a train, using diluted bleach.
The robot recently disinfected staff facilities and passenger lifts at Mong Kok East station after a member of staff was diagnosed with Covid-19.
“We fully understand our passengers’ concerns about hygiene in their travelling environment, especially amid the current Covid-19 outbreak,” says Dr Tony Lee, MTR’s operations director. “While MTR has comprehensively strengthened cleaning and disinfection work on the railway network, we have also continued to actively explore feasible enhancements.”
