The Mayo Clinic is Using Autonomous Vehicles to Move COVID-19 Tests
Daniel Johnson — April 7, 2020 — Autos
References: mayoclinic.org & engadget
A number of organizations including The Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, as well as Navya and Beep are implementing self-driving vehicles to transport COVID-19 tests. The COVID-19 tests will be taken from drive through testing sites to The May Clinic. In total four shuttles are being operated and have been since March 30th.
Relying on autonomous vehicles to transport COVID-19 tests allows fewer people to have potential exposure to other people. Using this type of technology reduces the need for human to human contact and can help to slow the spread of the virus. However, some humans are required in the process, as an SUV derives behind the autonomous shuttle during trips. Additionally, staff are required to load and unload tests.
Image Credit: Mayo Clinic
Relying on autonomous vehicles to transport COVID-19 tests allows fewer people to have potential exposure to other people. Using this type of technology reduces the need for human to human contact and can help to slow the spread of the virus. However, some humans are required in the process, as an SUV derives behind the autonomous shuttle during trips. Additionally, staff are required to load and unload tests.
Image Credit: Mayo Clinic
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Medical Deliveries - Self-driving vehicles are increasingly being used to transport medical supplies and equipment, offering a way to reduce exposure and limit human contact amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Contactless Delivery - The pandemic has underscored the need for new contactless delivery platforms, using autonomous vehicles to reduce health risks for both delivery workers and consumers.
3. Remote Healthcare Testing - The use of autonomous vehicles in healthcare is expanding, with providers increasingly turning to remote testing and monitoring in order to reduce human contact and maximize efficiency.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry has the potential to disrupt traditional logistics and delivery models by employing the use of autonomous vehicles for medical transport and last-mile delivery.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from the use of autonomous vehicles for remote testing and monitoring, reducing contact and minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
3. Technology - The advent of autonomous vehicles opens up new opportunities for innovation and disruption in the transportation and healthcare industries, with companies seeking to capitalize on the potential benefits of this technology.
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