![sign at San Antonio International Aiport](https://www.cleanlink.com/resources/editorial/2020/26035-san-antonio-airport.jpg)
In an effort to increase the public's confidence in flying during the COVID-19 pandemic, San Antonio International Airport is holding a unique contest in which locals can name its new germ-killing robot.
The airport purchased the Xenex LightStrike robot in an effort to better disinfect its grounds, reports KENS 5. The robot uses UV light to kill viruses and bacteria in both common areas and hard-to-reach spaces. Xenex LightStrike has already been deployed by healthcare facilities to help reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
The yet-to-be-named robot is used by airport staff to clean the gate area, ticketing counters, baggage claim, elevators, restrooms and other areas. The staff primarily focuses on high-touch surfaces within these areas. It's said that it only takes 10 to 15 minutes or less to disinfect a single area.
"The health and safety of our employees and passengers has always been our number-one priority,” says Jesus Saenz, Jr., Director of Airports for the City of San Antonio in a press release. “The acquisition of the Xenex LightStrike robot is just the latest innovative enhancement to our daily operations and efforts to ensure that traveling through San Antonio International Airport is the easiest and safest experience passengers can encounter.”
The airport says the naming contest for the robot will be held through its social media accounts.
It's not just the San Antonio International Airport that's trying to make customers feel safe throughout the pandemic. Delta Airlines recently published a list of things it is doing to combat COVID-19.