Germ-Zapping Robot Deactivates SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Two Minutes

A new disinfection robot that destroys hard-to-kill viruses, bacteria and superbugs in hard-to-clean places has been proven to deactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on surfaces in two minutes.

The LightStrike Germ-Zapping robot has been developed by Xenex (San Antonio, TX, USA), a provider of UV technology-based disinfection strategies and solutions.


Recognizing that superbugs are becoming increasingly resistant to cleaning chemicals, antibiotics and even some hand sanitizers, hospitals are turning to new technology to enhance their existing infection control practices in order to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in their facilities. These infections are caused by microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile (C.diff), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) that often lurk on high-touch surfaces in healthcare facilities.

Xenex’s LightStrike Germ-Zapping robots use pulsed xenon, an environmentally-friendly inert gas, to create intense bursts of ultraviolet (UV) light that quickly destroys bacteria, viruses, and spores on hospital surfaces without damaging expensive materials. Xenex’s pulsed, high energy, broad spectrum UV light technology is uniquely lethal to microorganisms – its 4300x more intense in peak power than a mercury lamp. Disinfection cycles are fast, allowing disinfection of a patient room in as little as 10 minutes and a surgical suite in 20 minutes or less. Sensors immediately stop the device when motion is detected and the disinfection robot also offers cloud-based reporting of key metrics. More than 40 peer-reviewed studies have been published validating the efficacy of the LightStrike technology. The findings indicate two minutes of pulsed Xenon UV decrease operating room surface contamination by 72.5%.

Related Links:
Xenex