Worried about being infected while out getting essentials, Karthik Velayutham built a robot to do the shopping for him.

The robot, which is a cardboard box resting on a four-wheel wooden platform, took him two days and costs just US$40 (RM173.80) to build.

“I ran my robot to the wine shop as a trial to demonstrate how someone can use it in a crowded place and to create awareness about the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”

“I have tested this device on the streets, and it has no problems and goes smoothly, even over speed bumps because I have used a gear motor,” Karthik told AFP.

Remote control your life

Basically, Karthik controls the machine from his home.

He uses the robot’s built-in smartphone and sends commands to it via the internet.

Once the robot gets to its destination, he makes a video call to the shopkeeper to tell him what he wants to buy.

The robot can carry up to 50kg at one go.

All payments are done using any mobile wallet or electronic payment system remotely.