Mixed mode mobile service robot with manual and autonomous maneuverability

A mixed mode UVC site disinfection robot having an autonomous mode, wherein the robot moves autonomously, and a manual mode, wherein the robot is passive and allows manual manipulation by a user, the mixed mode robot comprising:

• a robot base having a plurality of wheels associated therewith, and with each of at least two wheels having associated therewith a direct drive motor to drive the robot when in the autonomous mode;
• one or more UVC lights attached to the robot base for site disinfection;
• one or more handholds connected to the robot base and adapted for use by a user to move the robot when the robot is in the manual mode;
• and
• a processor configured to place the robot in a selected one of the autonomous mode and the manual mode, to navigate the robot via the direct drive motors in the autonomous mode, and to depower the direct drive motors in the manual mode to allow the user to easily move the robot.