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UVC Cleaner Robots

The 3D-Printed CounterBot Sanitizes Surfaces by Roaming Around Autonomously

— March 18, 2015 — Art & Design
Once you've carried out the fussy task of collecting crumbs on the surfaces in your kitchen, this cleaner robot would really come in handy. It's easy enough to eliminate the visible mess within your culinary space, but this device tackles the real harmful stuff that you can't see.

Entering the MakerBot Thingivers Firstbuild Countertop Challenge, Jeff Kerr created the CounterBot to solve a common problem. Using Solidworks to model his compact appliance, the designer proposed a 3D-printed shell to contain the electronic components, including the pair of turtle wheels and the intense UVC light. The ultraviolet rays are capable of zapping microbes like bacteria that can cause ill health, lingering silently and unseen on your countertop. The CounterBot is still in its prototyping stage, but it demonstrates the great potential of the convergence of electrical innards and casing created with 3D printers.
Trend Themes
1. UVC Sanitizing Robots - Developing small-scale robots that can autonomously sanitize surfaces using UVC light has the potential to revolutionize cleaning practices.
2. 3d-printed Appliances - Using 3D printers to create compact electronic appliances like the CounterBot showcases the benefits of combining electrical components with custom-designed casings.
3. Autonomous Cleaning Devices - The CounterBot's autonomous roaming capabilities highlight the potential for creating similar devices that can perform routine cleaning tasks with minimal human intervention.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The development of UVC cleaner robots represents a significant opportunity for robotics companies to create innovative products that can improve cleaning practices.
2. 3D Printing - The CounterBot's use of 3D printing technology to create its compact shell demonstrates the potential for 3D printing in appliance design and production.
3. Cleaning Services - Autonomous cleaning devices like the CounterBot have the potential to disrupt the cleaning services industry by reducing the need for human labor in routine cleaning tasks.
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