By Bob Thomann, President of BrightBot
As a physician assistant in the emergency department at Swedish Covenant Hospital, I’ve seen how fast infections can spread. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals were overwhelmed. We needed a better way to keep patients and staff safe. That’s when I started BrightBot.
BrightBot is based right here in Ravenswood. We manufacture UVC germicidal towers—machines that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. UVC light breaks down their DNA and RNA, effectively stopping them from spreading. Even better, the process leaves no chemical residue. This means rooms can be used right away after disinfection.
What Makes BrightBot Different?
What sets BrightBot apart is not just our technology, but our commitment to affordability, safety, and community. While other models can cost upwards of $100,000, ours are just $10,000 each. Despite the lower cost, we don’t compromise on quality or safety. Every unit is third-party tested and proven effective against serious threats like E. coli, MRSA, C. diff, and C. auris. Additionally, BrightBot towers come with built-in safety features, such as motion sensors and shatterproof bulbs. They’re reliable, easy to use, and require very little maintenance.
We’re proud to be a veteran-owned business and we’re passionate about combining innovation, public health, and manufacturing. We also keep it local. We manufacture BrightBots right here in Ravenswood, sourcing as much as possible from other Chicago-based companies- including a metal fabricator just down the street.
BrightBot In Action
Right now, BrightBots are used in hospitals, schools, dental offices, and nursing homes, providing an added layer of protection in spaces where vulnerable populations are at risk. But our mission goes beyond everyday use—we want to help Illinois prepare for future public health emergencies. With international travel through O’Hare and Midway, and close quarters in places like prisons, refugee centers, and schools, the risk of outbreaks—from measles to Ebola—is ever-present. UVC disinfection can serve as a frontline tool in rapid-response scenarios, safeguarding both the public and the professionals who serve them.
We believe Illinois should invest in UVC preparedness now. A modest purchase of twenty BrightBot towers, ready for deployment by agencies like the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Department of Public Health, would significantly enhance the state’s response capability. These units have no expiration date and require only periodic battery changes for long-term readiness.
I invite community members and policymakers who are interested in learning more to visit BrightBotUVC.com or check out our recent NBC spotlight showing BrightBot in action at Mt. Sinai’s surgical department.
Take Action: Help Bring BrightBot to More Communities
Illinois has a chance to lead the way in affordable, locally made public health solutions—but we need your help.
- ✅ Contact Your Legislators
Ask your state lawmakers to support funding for BrightBot UVC towers in the state budget. Tell them it’s a smart investment in community health and emergency preparedness. Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to find your state representatives.
- ✅ Follow BrightBot on Social Media
Follow along with BrightBot’s adventures on Facebook and connect with them on LinkedIn for the latest updates.
- ✅ Spread the Word
Share this post and our NBC News video with your network. The more people who know, the stronger our case becomes!
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is proud to support a local, veteran-owned business that is committed to public health and local manufacturing. If you’re interested in working with BrightBot or acquiring a BrightBot for your space, please contact gene@ravenswoodchicago.org for an introduction.
