A DISINFECTING robot is helping a leading training organisation prepare for the return of its students.

Gen2, which has skills centres in Sellafield and Ulverston, is using its innovative technology to disinfect the workshop area and main atrium at its HQ and training centre in Workington, ahead of welcoming staff and students back to the building on March 8.

The remotely-operated robot was developed by Forth in Cumbria last year as a response to the fight against Covid-19. The firm is known for its innovations to solve complex industry challenges all over the world in nuclear, oil and gas, renewables and other sectors.

Nina Dixon, centre manager at Gen2’s head office, said the process would provide an extra safety measure for staff and students working on the site.

She said: “The disinfecting of the workshop area and main atrium will enhance our current Covid-19 safety measures which are in place throughout the building, and provide extra peace of mind for our staff and students.”

Gen2 has worked closely with Forth over a number of years delivering apprenticeship programmes and training for the engineering firm, which is based in Maryport, Cleator Moor and Barrow.

The Forth team developed the disinfecting robot in a matter of weeks by combining its tracked robot, vapour cannon, camera and lights.

The robot is able to be worked remotely, controlled from a safe distance, to disinfect any area - inside or outside - to help the country safely emerge from lockdown.

Mark Telford, managing director of Forth, said: “It can be used in offices, warehouses, transport hubs, schools, shopping complexes, or on the streets, anywhere inside or outside, wherever it’s required.

“It can be deployed in any building or any area, before people return after lockdown to make sure the space they are going back to is safe to use, and can be regularly re-used to decontaminate areas, whether that’s once a week or several times a day.”

Radio-controlled, wireless and tetherless, the disinfecting robot can perform fogging or misting. It has the ability to climb flights of stairs and can disinfect large areas in a matter of minutes.