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UCSD lab developing drone with UV-C lights

UCSD drone
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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A team at UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering is developing a drone with UV-C lights that could be used for disinfecting surfaces.

The DetecDrone Team, led by Professor Tara Javidi, has developed a prototype using consumer drones and LED light strips.

UV-C has known disinfecting properties, though Javidi said they still plan on testing the drone for effectiveness.

“I need to make sure we have a certain percentage, above 99 percent, in terms of germicidal effect,” said Javidi.

Once they have determined its effectiveness, she hopes they can do a series of “how-to” videos so that others can create the device.

“We envision the first Do It Yourself (DIY) prototype of a drone platform for delivering non-contact mobile UV sterilization unit (UVerizeDrone) for community facilities such as schools, institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, and community centers,” says a description on the UCSD website.