These robots are fighting the coronavirus in China by disinfecting hospitals, taking temperatures, and preparing meals

Robotic disinfectant sprayer for preventing the novel coronavirus climbs steps in Luoyang, Henan.JPG
Robotic disinfectant sprayer for preventing the novel coronavirus climbs steps in Luoyang, Henan, on February 22, 2020.

China Daily via Reuters

In China, robots are being used to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, by taking on cleaning and food preparation jobs that are considered dangerous for humans.

The worldwide death toll of the coronavirus disease that originated in Wuhan, China, is now more than 3,300, and the virus has infected more than 97,000 people. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared it a global health emergency. The virus has disrupted travel worldwide, leading to flight cancellations, quarantines, and other breakdowns in movement.

It's now on every continent except Antarctica, and the CDC has said that there are likely to be more US cases in the near future.

Take a look at some of the clever ways robots are used across China to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In Wuhan, where the outbreak started, a robot spraying disinfectant moves through a residential area of the city.

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GettyImages 1204870402

China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Volunteers refill the robot with disinfectant on March 3.

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GettyImages 1204870405

China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Workers on scooters control the robot.

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2020 03 03T105032Z_402717257_RC2ACF9934JF_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS CHINA.JPG

REUTERS

A patrol robot in a Shenyang, China, hospital checks temperatures and disinfects people and spaces.

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GettyImages 1203625451

Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

These robots are used at hospitals to cut down on demands on medical staff.

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GettyImages 1203625450

Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Hangzhou, China, is yet another city using robots to disinfect large areas.

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GettyImages 1203050672

Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

They're controlled via remote control, and can be seen getting refilled here.

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GettyImages 1203050627

Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Hangzhou's disinfecting robots look notably different from those in Wuhan and Shenyang, almost resembling tanks.

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GettyImages 1203050652

Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Another robot disinfectant in Luoyang is remote-controlled and able to climb stairs.

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2020 02 25T061937Z_639313900_RC2I7F9O48U7_RTRMADP_3_CHINA HEALTH.JPG

REUTERS

This hand sanitizer-dispensing robot was photographed in Shanghai on March 4.

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2020 03 04T133254Z_392623163_RC21DF99VPJG_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH CORONAVIRUS CHINA.JPG

REUTERS

Robots are being used for more than just disinfecting areas with coronavirus. A hospital in Ezhou has incorporated a robot chef into its kitchen.

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GettyImages 1210090202

Photo by Shi Xiaojie/China News Service via Getty Images

The robot can reportedly produce 100 pots of rice per hour.

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GettyImages 1210090210

Photo by Shi Xiaojie/China News Service via Getty Images

The robot operates without human supervision, which minimizes the number of people in the hospital exposed to the virus.

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GettyImages 1210090205

Photo by Shi Xiaojie/China News Service via Getty Images

Sharing food presents an opportunity to spread the virus, so some cities have been incorporating robots in food service and preparation.

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GettyImages 1204607478

Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

This robot delivered food to diners in Hangzhou.

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GettyImages 1204607481

Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

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