It may look like a gadget from Doctor Who, but this robot is a new, efficient method of tackling hospital superbugs that could save the NHS more than 200million a year if adopted nationwide.

The remote-controlled Tru-D device uses concentrated levels of UV light to kill 99.9 per cent of pathogens in a room within 50 minutes, and costs just 5 per use.

Currently, vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is used to sterilise wards, with a deep-clean taking six hours followed by a wait of up to 24 hours before the room can be used again.

The method poses significant health risks if not carried out carefully and costs 45 per treatment.

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