Thai hospitals are deploying "ninja robots" to measure fevers and protect the health of overburdened medical workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak.
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First built to monitor recovering stroke patients, the machines have been quickly repurposed to help fight the disease, which has so far killed nearly 9,000 people around the world.
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They have helped staff at four hospitals in and around Bangkok to reduce their risk of infection by allowing doctors and nurses to speak to patients over a video link.
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"They can stand outside the room and communicate with patients inside through the robot," said Professor Viboon Sangveraphunsiri (above) of Chulalongkorn University.
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Later models will be designed to bring food and medicine to patients, and could also eventually be used to disinfect hospital wards, says Viboon.
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His engineering team is racing to build more "ninjas" - known as such because of their matte black exterior - for another 10 hospitals around the country.
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Thailand has more than 200 confirmed COVID-19 infections, including at least one death. More than 40 have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
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Authorities recently ordered the closure of bars, massage parlours and entertainment venues to help prevent new cases.
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