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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Centre for Education and Research on Social and Health Services, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Anja Poberznik & Mirka Leino & Jenni Huhtasalo & Taina Jyräkoski & Pauli Valo & Tommi Lehtinen & Joonas Kortelainen & Sari Merilampi & Johanna Virkki, 2021. "Mobile Robots and RFID Technology-Based Smart Care Environment for Minimizing Risks Related to Employee Turnover during Pandemics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12809-:d:683072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Izabela Nielsen & Quang-Vinh Dang & Grzegorz Bocewicz & Zbigniew Banaszak, 2017. "A methodology for implementation of mobile robot in adaptive manufacturing environments," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 28(5), pages 1171-1188, June.
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