Pratt Miller Mobility has demonstrated its Large Area Autonomous Disinfecting (LAAD) Vehicle at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The robot is the result of a Pratt Miller’s partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and PlanetM, and the demo was conducted in front of key stakeholders and members of the press.
The partner companies say the LAAD robot is “the first-of-its-kind” to be introduced in the US, as it is a connected, electric and autonomous disinfecting robot that dispenses FDA-approved disinfecting materials through a multi-head electrostatic sprayer array.
The electrostatic technology sprays disinfectant into the air and adheres to surfaces for maximum virus protection, while the autonomous platform monitors and “guarantees coverage” through the use of sensors and data analysis, says Pratt Miller.
LAAD has been surveying and disinfecting areas of the airport since Monday and will continue doing so through Friday.
Tory Richardson, CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, says: “The new technology from Pratt Miller is a great tool in our Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to restore confidence in the flying public.
“We appreciate the partnership with Pratt Miller and support from the MEDC that enable us to test leading-edge technology to combat the spread of Covid-19.”
Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer of the state of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, says: “This continues to build on the partnership between Pratt Miller and the state in delivering transportation solutions that reflect the leading-edge technology we aim to provide across all forms of mobility.
“Pratt Miller’s ability to pivot their product development capabilities in support of innovative solutions that fight the virus showcases the company’s expertise and the culture of innovation rooted here in Michigan. We’re thrilled to see this pilot off the ground and look forward to its successes.”
Simon Dean, Pratt Miller’s vice president of mobility and innovation, following the demonstration, says: “At Pratt Miller we provide solutions to complex mobility problems.
“Covid-19 has significantly disrupted the way the world moves. LAAD-V is one solution that will allow us to safely get back to business and our daily lives – and thanks to our partnership with MEDC and Gerald R. Ford Airport, we are one step closer.”
