Singapore has developed a robot that can conduct nasal swabbing tests to detect COVID-19, minimising the risk of exposure of coronavirus to healthcare workers, news agency PTI reported on Monday. 

The robot, which has been named SwabBot, is self-administered. This means a patient can activate or terminate the testing process as per will. When ready, the patient can use his or her chin to start the process.

The robot then extends the swab through the nose to the back of the nasal cavity, which is typically about 10cm from the nostrils.

The SwabBot has been developed by clinicians from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH), who partnered with Biobot Surgical, a firm specialising in medical robotics technology, according to a report by Channel News Asia.

“Even after many swabs, it retains the same gentle touch and precision as surgeons who perform very delicate procedures,” said Dr Luke Tay, a consultant with the Department of Vascular Surgery at SGH.

“Furthermore, the sample quality remains consistent even though nose structures can vary in size and shapes,” said Dr Tay.