Danish researchers have developed a robot, capable of carrying out Covid-19 screening tests, the University of Southern Denmark announced yesterday.

The research laboratory explained that using a 3D-printed disposable arm that is automatically swapped after every patient, the robot takes a throat swab and then places the sample in a jar.

In a statement, the university said robotic researchers have developed the world's first fully automatic robot capable of carrying out throat swabs for Covid-19, so that healthcare professionals are not exposed to the risk of infection.

The project leader Thiusius Rajeeth Savarimuthu said the robot is currently in prototype form, but a model for use in the field is under construction.

In a statement he said there are prospects in developing a throat swab robot, so that robots can take over the throat swabbing work, both in relation to Covid-19, but also in all future viruses.

In April Singapore researchers invented a disinfecting robot, to help take the load off overworked cleaners during the pandemic.

In her remarks she said having considered these developments and others, the MPC decided to reduce the Net International Reserve (NIR) target floor from US$660 million to US$530 million.

On the other hand the MPC reduced the CBL rate, from 4.25% per annum to 3.75% per annum.

Dr. Matlanyane further indicated that the rate set at this level will ensure that the domestic cost of borrowing and lending, will be aligned with the cost of funds elsewhere in the region.