A virus-fighting robot is being used to keep Key West International Airport free from Covid-19.
The robot, developed by UVD Robots, uses ultraviolet light to remove 99.9 percent of pathogens in the air and on surfaces, including coronavirus.
It stands at just under six feet and weighs over 300 pounds. The robot is able to move around the airport without help once it has been programmed and 'mapped' the space.
The robot is monitored by an operator who oversees its movements with a tablet.
The ultraviolet light-emitting robot rolls in an inactive mode in front of check-in counters at Key West International Airport on Wednesday
Key West is among first airports in the country to take delivery of the apparatus that is programmed to flood areas with UV light to kill COVID-19 and other viruses after initial area mapping.
The UV light is so bright that the robot can only be used when people are not present.
A built-in sensor is able to shut the light down if human presence is detected, in order to protect people from potentially harmful UV exposure.
The robot is able to disinfect the entire airport's interior spaces in approximately two and a half hours, according to airport officials.
The robot rolls in an active mode in a men's bathroom at Key West International Airport on Wednesday
For the Key West airport, it will supplement other manual disinfecting techniques.
Richard Strickland, director of airports for the Keys' Monroe County, said: 'Passengers should know that, as they travel to Key West International Airport and utilize the facilities here, that we've made every effort possible against the COVID to protect passengers' safety.
'And now, with the ultraviolet light robot that we have here, we'll be able to step that up even another notch.'
Covid-19 killing robots have been deployed to airports, schools, hotels and even gyms across the country in a bid to reduce the threat of the virus.
San Antonio International Airport became the first airport in the world to use the Xenex Light Strike Robot this summer.
Walmart, America's biggest retailer, is using robots to scrub its floors.
