AT89S52-Microcontroller Based Elevator with UV-C disinfection to prevent the transmission of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus, responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through exposure to respiratory droplets expelled by infected individuals. This exposure may occur if a person touches his/her mouth, nose or eyes after contact with a contaminated surface. Elevators are small enclosed spaces used in a wide variety of settings and often see multiple users in quick succession. This puts users at risk of contracting COVID-19 and other diseases that follow similar transmission patterns. The ongoing pandemic shows us a need to redesign current systems, including elevators to prevent the transmission of such diseases. Current methods rely on manual cleaning and disinfection of elevator cabins, which is time and manpower consuming. Elevator hygiene protocols such hand sanitization and wearing masks depend on user compliance. This work proposes a system for the automatic disinfection of elevator cabins using UV-C light. This is done in a manner that does not disrupt regular elevator operation, which is controlled using a microcontroller. In order to further improve safety standards, physical buttons are replaced with touch-less ones using ultrasonic sensors.