The best medical robotics reflect care providers’ input
facilities, robotics: ■ Improve the repeatability of delicate procedures – as in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures and other robot- assisted surgery ■ Execute mundane tasks for periods longer than acceptable for medical staff – as in AGVs that shuttle bedding and other laundry around sprawling facilities ■ Assist in jobs that are unsafe for caretakers – as in patient lifts and robotic beds to help the immobile from bed to chair or vice versa
■ Complement automated systems employing data tracking. Watch the
online video presentation How to use RFID to Increase Patient Safety and Protect Revenue for more on this topic ■ Independently collect and deliver medications as well as lab specimens (leveraging secured patient data) Such advancements can extend the capabilities of nurses, physicians, and hospital cleaning along with maintenance staff. They also present opportunities to pre-program predictable and repeatable tasks as well as leverage information from various hospital systems – to continually improve patient care and support medical-research efforts. Surgical robotics continue to lead the increased automation of the medical field – for assisting surgeons as in the past and increasingly leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence and machine learning. A report by Fortune Business Insights predicts the surgical-robot market will reach nearly $6.8B by 2026; it’s no wonder, as computer- assist systems are well-proven to help surgeons enhance patient outcomes with magnified images and precise end-effector movements not subject to fatigue, tremors, or distractions.
Other medical-robot design considerations The best medical-robotic designs are informed by experienced hospital personnel as well as other medical professionals and caretakers. This input and a thorough understanding of human anatomy can help robot designers deliver designs of sufficient accuracy and maneuverability, whether for goods transport, Figure 2: FSR 400-series single-zone force sensing resistors are robust polymer thick film devices that exhibit a decrease in resistance with an increase in applied force. Sensitivity is suitable for use in human-machine interfaces, medical systems, and robotics. Image source: Interlink Electronics
Written by Edward O’Brien
Figure 1: Medical robots take various forms. Some simply automate tasks that could be tedious or prone to increase the risk of human error. Image source: Getty Images
Popular interest in (and industrial adoption of) robotics has hastened since the COVID-19 pandemic and all the skilled-labor shortages it exposed. Now, robots are especially viable for medical applications of all types. Designs satisfying these uses take the form of professional- grade autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs), automated testing stations, and patient-support systems to compliment the most sophisticated surgery robotics in hospitals and other medical-treatment settings. Robotic designs to satisfy medical applications are also taking the form of household appliances designed to improve the quality of life for those who wish to maintain mobility and independence via age-in-place approaches despite medical issues. Though beyond the focus of this article, it’s worth noting that some robotics designs are adapting many of the technological advancements in home security (including video
for health-assist robotics that extend Internet of Things (IoT), home automation, and system interoperability. For example, some underlying IoT technologies are now being employed to help those aging in place to adhere to (sometimes complicated) medication schedules. Another bourgeoning type of medical robotics – that of exoskeletons – has come to represent the convergence of prosthetics, orthotics, and wearables to help the elderly as well as warehouse and other plant personnel aiming to avoid injury during strenuous manual tasks. Many of the technologies here borrow from innovations first pursued for military applications. Nearly all include IoT connectivity and sensor arrays for feedback.
Figure 3: Electronically commutated or brushless DC (BLDC) motors are used in some medical robots to help retrain and condition arm and hand movements in patients with arm-mobility impairments. That’s because such motors are particularly compact and efficient. Image: Portescap
Dynamic market poised for growth
systems) and HVAC energy monitoring for household use
In hospitals and other medical
we get technical
4
5
Powered by FlippingBook