Heat check at the Ice Cube: Roaming robot at curling venue takes your temperature

By: Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press Posted: 1:26 AM CST Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022

BEIJING - Don't let its cute blue tie and shirt collar fool you. The robot roaming the hallways at the Ice Cube curling venue is all business at the Olympic Games.

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BEIJING - Don't let its cute blue tie and shirt collar fool you. The robot roaming the hallways at the Ice Cube curling venue is all business at the Olympic Games.

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This article was published 03/02/2022 (1689 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BEIJING – Don’t let its cute blue tie and shirt collar fool you. The robot roaming the hallways at the Ice Cube curling venue is all business at the Olympic Games.

Standing about four feet tall with a black base, white midsection and video screen for a face, the robot takes the temperature of anyone who crosses its path.

With a look that’s more “Reservoir Dogs” than R2-D2, the robot was stationed by the entrance to the media work area on Thursday afternoon.

A temperature-checking robot is shown at the Ice Cube curling venue at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on Thursday, February 2, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Gregory Strong

Walk within six or seven metres of the robot and it will take your temperature.

One intrigued journalist crossed the hall and saw their image with a 36.0 C reading in green colouring appear on the screen.

A few security guards and volunteers were nearby to monitor the robot’s movement. The message: “Please wear a medical mask” appears at the bottom of the screen.

Strict restrictions are in place during the Winter Olympics as China pursues a zero-COVID strategy. Olympic-related personnel, media and athletes are in a closed-loop bubble for the Games, which continue through Feb. 20.

Robots are in use at several Olympic venues.

In the main media centre, a large robotic arm mixes and pours drinks in the bar area. Robot chefs prepare food and large robot vacuums help keep the floors clean.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2022.

Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter.