International Research Journal of Education and Technology

This project established a robust and autonomous robotic system utilizing ROS2 to address the need for effective and automated disinfection in various environments. Leveraging ROS2 as the primary robotics framework, it was integrated with a virtual simulation platform to facilitate risk-free experimentation with advanced navigation and disinfection strategies. This innovative setup enabled safe testing and validation of autonomous mobility, sensor integration, and control algorithms without exposing hardware to potential damage. The core focus of this project was a requirement-based disinfection process tailored to predefined zones and schedules for optimized sanitation tasks. A user interface was developed to enhance user interaction and real-time monitoring, allowing the operator to define disinfection areas, select operation modes, and monitor system status. Upon receiving user commands, the robot autonomously navigated to designated areas using LiDAR-based mapping and localization and performed precise disinfection through a controlled spraying mechanism. In the virtual simulation environment, the autonomous mobile robot demonstrated accurate mapping, obstacle avoidance, and systematic disinfection task execution, replicating real-world conditions. Additionally, the project bridged virtual and physical realms by enabling the real robot to mirror actions performed in the simulation, allowing the autonomous robot to navigate and disinfect physical spaces based on input from the user interface. Comprehensive system validation confirmed that the integrated platform met all performance, safety, and reliability requirements in practical scenarios before full deployment. The optimized workflow and efficient resource utilization supported innovation in autonomous robotics, advancing applications in healthcare facilities, industrial premises, and public areas for reliable and automated disinfection solutions.

Key Words:  Autonomous Mobile Robot, ROS2, Virtual Simulation, LiDAR Mapping, User Interface, System Validation, Automation, Disinfection Process.