Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Are Medical Robots the Cure for Future Healthcare Challenges?

You might have seen that robots are increasingly being utilized across various industries, including manufacturing, packaging, mining, and transportation, where they collaborate with humans to assist with various tasks. Their presence has also extended into the healthcare sector, where they are referred to as medical robots. These robots are significantly transforming the medical field with their capabilities.

So, let’s dive in to explore and gain a deeper understanding of their impact.

What are Medical Robots?

Medical robots are specialized robots designed explicitly for applications in the medical field. They encompass a wide range of applications, from performing surgeries to medication distribution and streamlining healthcare processes. These robots play a crucial role in improving patient care, easing the workload of medical staff, and creating major operational efficiencies and cost reductions for healthcare facilities.

Additionally, robots in medicine are also used for laboratory procedures, robotic prosthetics, and even social interactions with patients. With their unmatched precision and ability, medical robots perform tasks beyond human capabilities, making them invaluable assets in the healthcare industry. A recent study by Extrapolate states that the global medical robots market is estimated to garner $3479.38 million in revenue by 2028.

Types of Medical Robots Used in Hospital Settings

The types of medical robots used mainly in hospital settings include:

●     Surgical Robots

These robots are designed to assist in surgical operations, enabling better precision and, in some cases, allowing for remote surgery where a human surgeon is not physically present with the patient.

●     Rehabilitation Robots

These robots facilitate and support the lives of infirm, elderly individuals, or those with dysfunctional body parts affecting movement. They are also used for rehabilitation and related procedures, such as training and therapy.

●     Laboratory Robots

Robots are used in laboratory procedures to assist in various medical tasks and processes.

●     Robotic Prosthetics

These robots are designed to mimic and replace body parts, providing functional support to individuals with limb loss or impairment.

●     Social Robots

These robots offer cognitive support, particularly benefiting the elderly and children with their unique capabilities. They encourage patients and demonstrate specific motor activities for them to perform. They also provide social interaction that patients usually miss in hospital settings.

What do Medical Robots have to Offer?

Robots in the healthcare sector offer various benefits by streamlining various processes. Some of them include:

  • These robots offer enhanced precision and accuracy in surgical procedures, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • They reduce the risk of human error, minimizing complications and improving safety.
  • They provide increased efficiency in healthcare delivery by optimizing resource utilization and reducing wait times.
  • They enable expanded access to specialized care, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
  • They facilitate complex surgeries and minimally invasive procedures, resulting in quicker recovery times for patients.
  • They help healthcare professionals alleviate physical strain and enable them to focus on critical decision-making.

Exploring the Technologies Used in Medical Robots

Robots in the medical field are equipped with a range of technologies, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is mainly used to assist in surgical decision-making and enhance the capabilities of surgical robots.
  • Computer Vision: This technology in robots is used for better patient monitoring, specialist consultation, and enhanced social engagement.
  • Telemanipulation Technology: This technology is usually employed in surgical robots to allow remote surgery and precise control of robotic arms during procedures.
  • Mobile Delivery and Autonomous UV Disinfection: This technology is incorporated into robots for disinfection and patient monitoring.
  • RealSense Technology: This technology allows robots to interact directly with humans, particularly in long-term care environments. It can be found in social robots.

Innovative Medical Robots that are Reshaping the Healthcare Industry

Advancements in medical robotics technology are redefining the healthcare sector. Below are the latest innovative robots that are streamlining medical procedures.

1.   Senhance Surgical System

Asensus Surgical’s senhance Surgical system provides surgeons with more control over a set of various technologies and machines. This system plays a vital role during the surgical process by notifying the surgeon when high pressure or tension is applied. The senhance surgical system utilizes reusable equipment, making it an affordable option for numerous healthcare organizations.

2.   Moxi Robot

The Moxi robot by Diligent Robotics is equipped with AI technology and social intelligence. This robot is specially designed to perform basic hospital tasks. This robot can deliver medications and transport medical supplies. This robot can learn various workflows, including maneuvering around humans. Moxi can also relieve hospital and nursing staff of everyday tasks, manage nursing shortages, and reduce stress among the nurses.

3.   Burt Robot

Barrett Technology has developed a new rehabilitation robot called the Burt robot. This robot is primarily attached to the patient’s forearm to support performing specific tasks with the arm. For example, it can facilitate movement in the upper extremities while patients are playing computer games. This robot also helps therapists to aid patients in overcoming weakness or stiffness in their hands and arms.

In Conclusion

Medical robots have revolutionized the healthcare industry by offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and expanded access to specialized care. Their incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, computer vision, and telemanipulation has not only improved patient outcomes and safety but has also supported healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality, innovative care. With more advancements, these robots are poised to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and driving advancements in surgical procedures, patient rehabilitation, and medical research.

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