One of the major areas where medical robots are being used is in the field of surgery. Robotic surgical systems enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques. Some of the advanced surgical robots being used include the da Vinci Surgical System which is used for various types of complex surgery like prostate removal and hysterectomies. The system has wristed instruments, a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and filters hand tremors providing the surgeon enhanced control, view and precision. Over 5 million surgical procedures have been performed using da Vinci systems worldwide so far.
Other surgical robots are being tailored for specific types of surgeries. For example, the FreeHand robot helps surgeons perform complex breast cancer surgeries with increased accuracy by mechanically holding surgical tools. Another robot called CorPath GRX helps surgeons perform minimally invasive heart bypass surgery and valvuloplasty procedures. Such robots reduce hospitals' costs by enabling shorter recovery times for patients and fewer complications compared to open-heart surgeries.
With further advances, surgical robots are expected to gain additional autonomous capabilities to precisely and consistently replicate complex surgical tasks. This will help address the shortage of highly skilled surgeons globally. Robots may also be able to suture wounds, cauterize bleeding blood vessels and administer drugs - allowing more procedures to be performed robotically. Overall, medical robots have great potential to enhance surgical outcomes and make quality healthcare more accessible worldwide.
Telepresence Robots enable Doctors to examine Patients remotely
Another emerging application of medical robots is in telepresence to enable virtual examinations and consultations. Telepresence robots allow doctors to examine, communicate with and gauge patients remotely using a robot screen, camera and wheels. This is proving useful in various scenarios - from checking on bedridden patients in hospitals to consulting patients in remote or rural locations.
One such telepresence robot is the RP-Vita robot which is being used by doctors in several countries to examine patients located elsewhere. It has a high-definition screen and camera along with rotation and zoom functions controlled remotely by the doctor. The doctor can visually inspect areas, answer questions and ensure patient safety from a different location. Several other telepresence robots like Tibion Bionic Leg, Diligent Robotics' Anthropic telemedicine robot are also being developed and tested for virtual patient examinations.
As connectivity improves globally, telepresence robots are expected to enhance access to quality healthcare especially in underserved regions. Doctors will be able to regularly monitor more patients with varied conditions from their clinics. This can help reduce healthcare costs while improving outcomes through more frequent checkups possible with robot-mediated virtual visits. Over time, as technologies like AI and computer vision advance, telepresence robots may gain additional diagnostic capabilities assisting doctors remotely.
Assistive Robots are Improving Lives
Another promising application of medical robots lies in developing assistive devices that can help older adults and those with disabilities live more independently. These assistive robots are being designed for tasks ranging from mobility assistance to rehabilitation and monitoring vital parameters.
For instance, robots like Argo Medical's Cody, Anthropic's AssistantBot and Diligent Robotics' companion robot Kai help elderly and differently-abled individuals perform routine tasks like fetching items, reminding about medications and appointments through conversational interfaces. Robotic exoskeletons like ReWalk, Ekso and Indego are also enhancing mobility for paraplegics and others with limited leg function.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation robots are aiding in regaining movement and strength post injuries or surgeries. Examples include Hocoma's Lokomat system that helps perform repetitive, biofeedback-driven leg motions to rebuild neural pathways for walking. Other robots guide repetitive arm and hand movements to aid stroke recovery. ADL bots developed by firms like RobotBuddy and Intuition Robotics assist in self-care activities like getting dressed, eating and other daily living activities.
As these assistive robots become more affordable and customizable for individual needs, they could help retain independence and quality of life for millions around the world. Additionally, monitoring robots being designed have potential to reduce healthcare costs through remote patient monitoring at home and quicker interventions based on real-time medical data collection. Overall, assistive robots open up new possibilities for active aging.
Medical Robots are addressing Labor Shortages
Beyond direct patient care applications, medical robots are also being leveraged in other areas to address challenges like labor shortages in healthcare. For example, disinfection robots like those from Blue Ocean Robotics use UV light to autonomously decontaminate hospital rooms and operating theaters in a fraction of the time taken by manual cleaning processes. This enables rooms to be turned around faster and reduces the risk of infection.
In the lab diagnostic area too, robots are augmenting the work of technicians. Robotic systems from firms like Opentrons and Tecan automate repetitive, volume-intensive tasks like sample sorting, aliquoting, transportation and storage. This aids in processing higher volumes of tests with fewer skilled technicians. Similarly, robots like Yaskawa's Motoman-HC for material handling, Rethink Robotics' Baxter for packaging and OMRON's Collaborative robots are assisting in non-core logistical functions within hospitals, labs and pharmacies.
As medical robots integrate with analytics interfaces, their roles are expanding further. Startups are working on robotic solutions for warehouse-scale sample and drug storage with tracking capabilities. Massive improvements in productivity, quality and workforce multipliers expected from robots indicate they will play a key supportive function as the sector confronts looming shortages of skilled human resources in coming years. Robots surely appear all set to stay and keep transforming healthcare delivery and operations worldwide.
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.
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