Innovation in Hospital Hygiene: Disinfection Robot SAM-UVC in Daily Use at AZ Groeninge

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, robotics has accelerated rapidly—especially in the cleaning sector. At the Belgian hospital AZ Groeninge in Kortrijk, this evolution is clearly visible. What began as a comparative study in 2022 and 2023 has now become a permanent part of the daily cleaning process: the deployment of the SAM disinfection robot from Loop Robots in the Netherlands.

From Research to Implementation

From November 2022 to April 2023, AZ Groeninge conducted a comparative study on the benefits of UV-C disinfection in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Three systems were evaluated, including SAM from Loop Robots.

The study examined both effectiveness and practical applicability—both essential in a busy hospital setting.

Guido Demaiter, responsible for monitoring hygiene performance during the study, emphasized:

“The study on UV-C disinfection shows a significant effect. This allows us to replace some of the terminal disinfections currently performed with hydrogen peroxide with UV-C disinfection, which brings many practical advantages.”

Structured Deployment in Practice

Two years later, AZ Groeninge uses SAM daily—a clear sign of both positive results and successful logistical integration.

Fanny Jaumain, responsible for operational implementation, explained:

“By carefully analyzing our processes, we set up the deployment so that two teams are well-trained in using SAM. This way, we can disinfect any type of room and flexibly align with the infection control team’s policy. This minimizes the risk of pathogen spread.”

This approach ensures efficient staff use and minimal disruption to patient care.

Time Savings and Flexibility

According to Philip Dupont, Facility Manager at AZ Groeninge, SAM also provides significant time savings:

“A terminal cleaning with SAM is much faster compared to hydrogen peroxide vaporization. A room is available again within half an hour, whereas with hydrogen peroxide it can take up to 12 hours.”

In times of increasing bed pressure, this reduced turnaround time means more patients can be treated sooner—without compromising hygiene.

Conclusion: Sustainable Innovation for Patient Safety

AZ Groeninge’s experience highlights that technologies like the SAM disinfection robot are sustainable innovations that enhance patient safety. They contribute to improved infection prevention, more efficient use of staff and resources, and a hospital organization prepared for the future.