An electric locomotive manufacturer in India's West Bengal has come up with an automated trolley to minimise exposure of health workers who are at the forefront of the battle against novel coronavirus.

Footage filmed in Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman district, on May 4 shows the automated trolley being used to serve a COVID-19 patient in a hospital.

The trolley, which comes fitted with a webcam and can be operated easily from a distance of 30 metres, is seen parking itself next to the patient while carrying a box of medicine. The patient then picks up the medicine and the trolley is pulled back using a remote control.

According to the reports, the trolley was manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, a government-owned unit.