All about robots 8 machines shaking up medicine

This month we explore the fascinating world of robotics within healthcare. From robotic baby seals for animal therapy replication to germ zapping moving robots, these devices have all medical bases covered. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the future of medicine…

1. PARO therapeutic robot

Summary: Launched by Sense Medical (Bagshot, UK), the PARO therapeutic robot represents an interactive device resembling a baby seal, aiming to offer the advantages of animal therapy without the need for live animals . Nope, don't visualize cold hard metal, instead picture a fluffy plush toy.

PARO’s primary purpose is to deliver psychological support, particularly tailored for individuals with dementia. PARO can also be beneficial for individuals facing emotional and behavioral distress, cognitive and behavioral disorders, social isolation, PTSD, as well as those in hospice and palliative care .

Type of robot: Social robot

Year of launch: 2004

2. Xenex robot

Summary: Robotic intervention could be hugely beneficial to the healthcare sector in facing the pervasive challenge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs often persist because hospitals face limitations in achieving complete sterility when cleaning rooms between patients, whether due to time constraints or the imperceptibility of germs .

Addressing this challenge, the Xenex (TX, USA) robot, an autonomous and easily transportable device, was created to rapidly sanitize entire hospital rooms through the application of pulsed, full-spectrum UV rays. This technology efficiently eliminates a variety of infectious bacteria, with the goal of reducing the incidence of HAIs, including those caused by strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) .

Type of robot: Service robot

Year of launch: 2009

3. Moxi robot

Summary: The Moxi robot, developed by Diligent Robotics (TX, USA), seamlessly integrates AI-driven automation and social intelligence to perform essential hospital duties. In addition to tasks like delivering medications, handling lab samples, distributing personal protective equipment, and transporting medical supplies, the robot possesses the capability to adapt to workflows through repeated interactions. It even demonstrates awareness by intelligently navigating around humans and even accommodating requests for selfies. Say cheese! Moxi currently plays a pivotal role in alleviating hospital and nursing staff from mundane tasks in numerous hospitals . This not only helps address nursing shortages but also contributes to reducing burnout among existing nursing professionals. Type of robot: Service robot

Year of launch: 2019

4. da Vinci surgical robot

Summary: Intuitive Surgical’s (CA, USA) da Vinci Surgical System is a pretty revolutionary robot, providing surgeons with incredible precision and accuracy in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The incorporation of AI into the da Vinci system has only further advanced image analysis, surgical planning, and enabled real-time adjustments based on the patient's unique anatomy and physiology . In comparison to conventional methods, the robot ensures a less invasive approach and eliminates the challenges associated with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

While the system has been used so far in numerous surgeries, its impact is particularly profound in urology, specifically for the removal of the prostate in the treatment of localized cancer. Traditionally, accessing the prostate required a substantial incision from the naval to the pubic bone. However, the robot-assisted procedure minimizes invasiveness, with only a few small abdominal incisions. In fact, the da Vinci Surgical System is so popular that it is used for around three in four prostate cancer surgeries in the US .

Type of robot: Surgical robot

Year of launch: 2000

5. Rewalk robotics personal exoskeleton

Summary: ReWalk Robotics (Yokne'am Illit, Israel) has developed a personal exoskeleton designed to help individuals relearn how to walk following a spinal cord injury. As the most widely utilized personal exoskeleton, it stands out as the first to receive US FDA and CE clearance. Comprising hip, knee, and ankle levers, the exoskeleton assists users in maintaining a natural gait and can be customized to match the unique walking patterns of each individual.

Additionally, users can modify the robot's responses through wrist buttons and torso adjustments, navigating environments such as stairs and curbs. Beyond empowering patients to regain independence, the robot has shown positive effects on trunk control, mental well-being and bladder function, marking a significant advancement in rehabilitation technology .

Type of robot: Rehabilitation robot

Year of launch: 2011

6. Burt robot

Summary: The Burt robot was designed by Barrett Technology (MA, USA) to assist patients with hand and arm weakness or paralysis resulting from various neurological injuries and diseases. Attached to a patient's forearm, Burt aids arm movements while patients participate in interactive games . Specifically tailored for individuals recovering from conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, this form of robot-assisted therapy provides targeted support for therapists in enhancing rehabilitation efforts.

Type of robot: Rehabilitation robot

Year of launch: 2019

7. Vicarious Surgical’s robotic system

Summary: Vicarious Surgical's robotic system enhances surgical precision by providing surgeons with a console and a robot equipped with small human-like arms. Each arm packs an impressive 28 sensors, enabling the robot to replicate the surgeon's movements with remarkable rotational maneuvers. The robot is equipped with a camera, affording surgeons a detailed view of a patient's anatomy and enabling minimally invasive procedures with incisions as small as a centimeter .

Recognized with a "Breakthrough Device Designation" from the US FDA, the system also includes a self-wiping mechanism to ensure surgeons have clear 3D vision while remotely operating inside a patient . Beyond its primary role in surgery, the robot is designed to aid in training doctors and medical students, and contribute to overall improved patient outcomes.

Type of robot: Surgical robot

Year of launch: 2021

8. TUG robot

Summary: Streamlining the movement of meals, supplies, and various materials within a hospital is crucial for enhancing efficiency in healthcare settings. TUG, an autonomous mobile robot developed by Aethon Inc. (VA, USA) is just the robot for the job. TUG can transport supplies to necessary locations within hospitals, alleviating the workload of healthcare professionals and allowing them to concentrate on quality patient care. The mobile robot can also be programmed with a hospital’s specific floor plan, enabling TUG to navigate as efficiently as possible .

Type of robot: Service robot

Year of launch: 2004

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Disclaimers:

The opinions expressed in this feature are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Future Medicine AI Hub.