Different Ways Robotics in Healthcare is Transforming Industry

The benefits -- and challenges -- of robotics in medicine

We’re all familiar with factory automation, which is the use of machines, computers, and similar technologies to improve productivity in manufacturing. But can that same technology, like robotics, be used in healthcare?

It already has. Surgical robotics have been used since 1985 when a robotic arm performed a stereotactic brain biopsy. Since then, numerous medical robots have found their way into healthcare systems. Robotics is transforming today’s medicine, from surgery to comforting patients.

Benefits of Robotics in Healthcare

Most factory automation provides benefits in the consistency of products, the reduction of waste, greater productivity, and increased worker safety. Robots in medicine have a similar breakdown. Two include:

Provide High-Quality Patient Care

Advancements in robotics have led to the development of surgical robots that can extend the capabilities of human surgeons, particularly in areas such as visual acuity and intricate physical tasks. Surgeons can now conduct minimally invasive procedures with enhanced accuracy and reduced risk. The result is higher success rates for operations and shorter recovery times for patients.

Robots are now providing well-being to the elderly or bedridden alongside nurses and other caregivers. By engaging in conversation with them, the robots minimize or prevent pain or boredom.

Help Streamline Clinical Workflows

Inventory tracking is a necessary and routine part of hospitals. Unfortunately, many are understaffed, which can lead to shortages and mismanagement.

In response, medical facilities are turning to certain kinds of mobile robots to handle the work. They ensure supplies, equipment, and medication are in stock where they are needed.

Sanitization is an essential aspect of hospital maintenance. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting all areas of the hospital, including patient rooms and medical equipment, is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. Cleaning and disinfection mobile robots can help healthcare workers allocate more time to patient care and other vital tasks.

Types of Robots in Healthcare

Robotics in healthcare has been divided into numerous types to reflect their use or specialty in the sector.

As their names imply, surgical-assistance robots are built to enhance the surgeon’s skills and aid in existing surgical treatments. The Da Vinci robot by Intuitive Surgical is the most well-known example of this kind of medical robot.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs_, play a vital role within hospital and clinic environments. One of their essential functions is facilitating the transportation of waste bins from hospital kitchens or supply areas, thereby contributing to the efficient management of hospital logistics. Additionally, these robots are utilized to aid in the safe and secure transportation of patients from their rooms to various departments within the medical facility. It is important to note that while some mobile robots operate along a predetermined track or wire, autonomous ones are remotely controlled by medical staff using specialized medical tablets, allowing for precise and responsive navigation through the facility.

Preparing patient rooms, tracking supplies, and restocking medical supply cabinets, as mentioned earlier, are performed by service robots.

Nursing robots automatically monitor patients’ vital signs as they’re transported throughout the hospital.

Medical robots shaped like exoskeletons are placed on patients suffering severe injuries or disabilities. They provide aid and support as the patient relearns movements like walking.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Artificial intelligence (AI) predates robotics in medicine, tracing its history back to the early 50s. Now AI, along with machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and similar technologies, is being used to:

Aid in diagnostics by sorting and organizing data far faster than humans.

Automate many tedious or time-consuming tasks like appointment scheduling.

Look for patterns in data to provide predictions.

Converse effectively with patients and even medical staff via AI-driven chatbots.

Artificial intelligence inroads in robotics for healthcare is on the cutting edge for both technologies. Some of the ways medical groups are looking to leverage the combo include:

Robots with humanoid designs converse with patients to keep their aging minds focused and sharp.

The robotic arm sutures the patient’s cut after an operation, a task usually performed by the surgeon or their surgical staff.

Scan and complete an ultrasound on a patient without guidance from the technician.

Challenges of Robotics in Healthcare

The field of medical robotics offers a range of benefits and is experiencing rapid expansion. However, integrating these advanced technologies into local medical practices and facilities presents several challenges.

Patient mistrust - To many patients, getting treated with robots is the stuff of science fiction or nightmares. They may balk at their use for treatment. Medical groups must reassure them that mechanical arms during surgery will improve the outcome.

Lack of training and education - Medical professionals must be trained to use the various robots. Even simple ones like restocking robots will need to be worked into the hospital staff’s workflow. Providers, especially, require training as they interact with some of the most sophisticated machines, like surgical robots.

Safety concerns - Unsurprisingly, safety is paramount in a sector that handles life-and-death matters daily. Medical robots are scrutinized like any other device or equipment, such as medical computers, for near-patient safety (Or, literally, as in the case of surgical robots). They also have safeguards to pause or stop operations if they inadvertently pose a danger during mundane work like stacking boxes.

Closing Thoughts

Robotics in medicine is a form of automation in healthcare. Examples range from surgical arms to AI chatbots. Virtually every area of modern medicine uses robotics. While they offer many advantages, they also challenge medical personnel to incorporate the machines into workflows.

Contact an expert at Cybernet if your medical group is looking to bring robots and similar automation to its medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. We’ll happily discuss the advantages and challenges and explain how our medical-grade computers, monitors, box PCs, and tablets can meet many of them.

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