Hong Kong is preparing to combat the increase in cases of the Chikungunya virus, transmitted through mosquitoeswith a strategy taken from the Black Mirror series: with robots dogs. The authorities themselves They are already planning Deploy these four -legged robots equipped with insecticides to deal with the threat in difficult access areas.
What is the ‘chikungunya’ disease. In summary, it is an infectious disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes that have the virus inside being the vectors of the disease. The symptoms generally begin four to eight days after the mosquito sting, and mainly will be accompanied by fever and joint pain. At the moment, there is no treatment because it is a virus, and the health system can only focus on treating symptoms.
The problem is that the concern for the disease does not stop growing. Recently, nine imported cases have been registered this year and one significant out of the neighboring province of Guangdongwith more than 7,000 cases reported since June. The good news is that this is not a disease with a great mortality rate, being more dangerous only for pluripatological patients, which are normally those of older.
The ‘war against mosquitoes’ will begin as a pilot plan. It will be From next month When the city will begin its strategy to fumigate slopes and other places that present difficulties for pest control equipment. In this way, eliminating mosquitoes (which act as virus vectors) can control the spread of the disease.
This was confirmed by the Secretary of Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-Wan, that he pointed out That the initiative seeks to relieve the load of first -line personnel, especially during the hottest months. And in the event that this first strategy works, many more robotic dogs can be deployed.
Technology for difficult land. Robotic dogs, popularized by companies such as Boston Dynamics, are designed to operate and perform tasks on irregular land. Their agility makes them a viable solution to reach the habitats of mosquitoes in areas where humans cannot easily access.
The potential of this technology goes beyond simple fumigation. By integrating AI, cameras and sensors, these robots can in the future detect stagnant watersmap mosquito hatcheries and send real -time updates to command centers. The AI could also analyze the temperature data, rainfall and outbreaks to predict where mosquitoes are most likely to prolve, allowing preventive and more ecological action by reducing the use of chemicals.
Alternatives and concerns. In addition to robots, the Hong Kong government is exploring other alternatives, such as A technique recommended by WHO which introduces a bacterium into Aedes mosquitoes to limit their reproduction capacity and virus transmission. Something that according to the authorities is already taking a result in Singapore.
Robotic dogs are not free of controversies. The high cost is one of the problems that part of the population can see to this plan. In addition, there is concern that excessive dependence on technology can weaken basic preventive habits of the community, such as being careful with stagnant waters. Another critical point is The possible damage to other insects beneficial, such as bees and butterflies, which generates long -term environmental risks in pollination processes, for example.
Robots begin to be present today. Apart from this idea with robotized dogs in the field of health, in China it is already organizing the Robotic Olympicsbut they are also using Robots to patrol the autonomous wind farms either even install solar parks. And having them at home is also possible Thanks to robots megatiendas that will arrive in November 2025.
Images | Andrew Jephson
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings