Decontamination innovation
contamination that are often difficult to detect visually, while software-based analysis supports consistent identification of different residue types. Rather than replacing staff judgement, the inspection cobot provides objective decision support — flagging bioburden that may otherwise be missed and prompting targeted reprocessing before sterilisation. Early trials have shown residues being detected on instruments that appear visually clean to the naked eye.
Closing the loop: cobots at both ends of the pathway The approach is not centred on a single device, but on a closed-loop model of decontamination. Automated pre-cleaning removes variability at the start of the process, while assisted inspection verifies outcomes before sterilisation. Together, integrated data logging supports audit, traceability and continuous improvement. This mirrors the evolution already seen in washing and sterilisation — moving from skill-dependent tasks to validated, system-controlled processes.
Redefining validated decontamination Validated decontamination cannot stop at the washer-disinfector. By addressing both remaining manual processes — pre-cleaning and inspection — smart new automation demonstrates how sterile services can improve safety, capacity, compliance and sustainability simultaneously. As pressures on healthcare systems
intensify, the question is no longer whether these steps can be automated, but whether reliance on manual variability at either end of the pathway remains acceptable. From sink to system, decontamination is evolving.
About the author
Chris Helson is an award-winning engineer, director, and founder of Tiny Air. Based in Galloway, Tiny Air creates new technologies for surgical decontamination and infection control. His background in 3D design, industrial engineering, and new media art, coupled with an experimental approach to R&D, enables him to take ideas from early concept through to regulated, market-ready medical devices. Chris has led the full pathway from fundamental research and prototyping to clinical engagement, validation, funding, and commercialisation, with proven success in translating complex technical innovation into deployable healthcare technologies.
PREVENTIA® Surgical Irrigation
Discover a unique solution to combat Surgical Site Infections, biofilm and antibiotic resistence
Reduce
99.99% of bacteria!
2
Polyhexanide (PHMB)
CSJ
Broad antimicrobial spectrum of effectiveness1
Fast activity in just 1 minute2
More tissue friendly than PVP-Iodine3
Poloxamer
Reduces reformation of biofilm compared to HOCl and saline & Ringer‘s solutions2
Superior to HOCl and saline3
Promotes wound healing1
Description PREVENTIA®
PREVENTIA®
Surgical Irrigation Surgical Irrigation
Product number Unit size Outer size 999 5600
350 ml 999 5500
Package 10 bottles 1000 ml Package 12 bottles
1. Kramer et al. (2018) Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 31(1):28–58 (Related to PHMB solutions). 2. In-vitro results on planktonic time kill assay according to EN 1276:2019 for quantitative suspension test to evaluate the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Data on file. 3. In-vitro results on minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and relative therapeutic index. Data on file.
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