MUST students pioneer UV sterilization robot

In Malawi, hospital-acquired infections contribute to nearly 15% of all patient deaths, a staggering figure that underscores the urgent need for improved hospital sanitation. In response, four students from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) have developed an autonomous ultraviolet sterilisation robot that could dramatically reduce these infections and save lives.

Dubbed the Maverick Ultraviolet Sterilising Bot (M-UVS), the autonomous machine aims to combat infections that have long plagued Malawi’s fragile healthcare system. Led by Hope Matemba, a third-year Disaster Risk Management student, along with Mwanasha Mphonda, Hilda Kalino, and Bernard Mhango (Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Biomedical Engineering), the project is a direct response to the country’s dire need for improved hospital sterilisation. And with support from MUST’s Design Studio, the prototype is showing immense potential to revolutionise infection control.

Addressing a critical healthcare challenge

For decades, Malawi’s healthcare system has grappled with limited resources, a shortage of medical personnel, and inadequate infrastructure. Among its most pressing issues is the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, often exacerbated by poor sterilisation practices and overcrowding. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these vulnerabilities, with frontline workers at high risk due to exposure to contaminated environments.

“Our motivation stemmed from seeing healthcare workers falling ill due to a lack of advanced protective measures in hospitals,” says Matemba.

“The M-UVS operates autonomously, requiring minimal human intervention. Once placed in a room, it sterilises the entire space, significantly reducing infection risks for doctors, nurses, and caregivers.”

The science behind the innovation

The M-UVS utilises ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate harmful microorganisms, offering a more reliable and efficient sterilisation method than conventional techniques. Unlike manual cleaning, which is prone to inconsistencies, the robot ensures thorough disinfection with minimal oversight.

The project’s development has been fuelled by the MUST Design Studio’s SEED Grant programme. Mwanasha Mphonda reveals that the team secured an initial $500 for materials and an additional $100 stipend for further refinement.

“We applied for the SEED Grant, which enabled us to build the M-UVS from the ground up. The process – from planning and design to assembly – spanned an entire semester,” Mphonda explains.

Institutional backing and prospects

Nelson Mwenefumbo, a Design Studio Technician at MUST, highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering student-led innovations.

“We have been actively supporting the M-UVS project by providing materials and supervision throughout the engineering design process,” Mwenefumbo states.

“Moreover, the team was awarded an additional $1,000 for scale-up through our SEED Grant programme.”

Currently in its prototype stage, the students are planning significant upgrades, including remote control functionality, adjustable UV light intensity, automated scheduling, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration. The IoT feature will allow the robot to detect when a room needs sterilisation and act independently, enhancing efficiency.

“Our vision is to enhance the robot’s autonomy using computer vision, allowing it to navigate without predefined paths and recognise obstacles,” says Mphonda.

“IoT integration will enable it to connect with facility systems, identify vacant rooms in need of sterilisation, and operate without human intervention.”

Stakeholders appreciate the students

Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) Infection Prevention and Control Officer, Wilned Zoto Hara, has described the M-UVS as a game-changer for Malawi’s healthcare system.

He explained that currently, sterilization in Malawi is limited to two main methods—chemical sterilization (Cidex), which is costly and difficult to work with, and heat-based sterilization, which is unsuitable for materials like plastic.

“In other countries, ultraviolet-based sterilization is widely used for equipment that cannot withstand heat, such as plastic tools. If we have access to this technology, it will revolutionize infection prevention and enhance patient safety in operations,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of the innovation.

Meanwhile, educationist Benedicto Kondowe has emphasized the need for robust support systems to ensure the success and sustainability of local technological innovations like the M-UVS

He called for government intervention through the Ministry of Education to establish dedicated funding mechanisms and incubation hubs that provide sustained financial and technical support.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration between universities and the private sector to commercialize and scale such innovations beyond the prototype stage.

Furthermore, he underscored the value of mentorship from industry experts and exposure to international platforms as critical elements in refining and marketing the innovation.

“Supporting indigenous technology fosters national pride and inspires more young Malawians to pursue STEM fields. This is a pivotal moment for Malawi to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators, driving both economic growth and social transformation,” Kondowe said.

A step toward sustainable development

The M-UVS innovation aligns with global and national development goals. It directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being by improving hospital sanitation and infection control. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by fostering local technological advancements and reducing reliance on foreign solutions.

At the national level, the M-UVS supports Malawi 2063’s pillars of Industrialisation and Human Capital Development. However, for this promising innovation to reach mass production and implementation, further investment is crucial.

Call for support

To bring the M-UVS to scale, increased funding is needed to refine the prototype and advance toward commercialisation. The Malawi government, through the ministries of health and education, should explore partnerships with MUST to integrate this innovation into the country’s healthcare system.

With the right backing, the M-UVS could be a game-changer in hospital sanitation, significantly reducing infection rates and safeguarding the lives of both healthcare workers and patients across Malawi.

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