Microlink Devices and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult have joined forces with leading product design specialist Wideblue to develop an innovative Covid-19 autonomous surface disinfection system for hospitals.

The new project, entitled Project LUSS (LED based Ultra-Violet exposure for Safe Surfaces) Consortium has been awarded an Innovate UK Grant to develop an economical solution to combat COVID-19 infection in public spaces, with the added benefits of also disinfecting surfaces of other viruses and bacteria.

The device will consist of a mechanical arm which will automatically sweep across the surface (such as a door panel) after each use and kill viruses using a powerful ultraviolet-c light.  Apart from Covid-19 the device will also eliminate other viruses such as MRSA and C.diff.

Andrew Robertson, project manager at Wide Blue, which recently celebrated its 15^th anniversary, explains: "We are excited to be working in this unique Consortium, the project is a great fit for Wideblue and continues our commitment to developing products and  technology which will aid the long-term fight against Covid-19. Project Luss will develop an automatic self-cleaning door panel, exploiting specific UV light, that will kill viruses/bacteria and prevent the spread of infection. The door panel will be disinfected automatically between uses, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning and reducing the transmission of viruses/bacteria."

Steve Whitby, director of Microlink Devices, adds: "We are delighted that Project LUSS has been awarded an Innovate UK grant. The Consortium is excited to develop a novel COVID-19 system which will aid in the reduction of transmission in public spaces through this innovative technology. The Consortium is well placed to developed and rapidly take the technology towards commercial exploitation and deployment."