Application of Medical Robotics in Healthcare Sector

Application of Medical Robotics in Healthcare Sector

L. Girisha, Gunji Venkata Punna Rao, M. Nithya, R. Muthukumaran, Akhila Akhila, M. S. Nidhya
Copyright: © 2024 |Pages: 13
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-2105-8.ch002
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

The many benefits offered by robots have led to their widespread adoption. The healthcare industry encountered several obstacles while attempting to close the vast gap between service recipients and those in need. The medical and automotive industries have benefited the most from the use of sophisticated robots thanks to recent technical developments. Precision, little tissue damage, and the use of tiny devices are what make robotic surgery so advantageous in the medical field. With this equipment at their disposal, surgeons may execute a wide range of difficult procedures, including those involving the heart, ureters, kidneys, and more. This study examines the history, development, design, applications, and limits of robots in medicine and healthcare, focusing particularly on surgical robots. As a secondary topic, this chapter explores the many potential applications and future directions for robots in healthcare.
Chapter Preview
Top

Introduction

When combating pandemics, healthcare institutions are crucial. Because they allow humans to function in dangerous areas with little risk to themselves, robotic applications are indispensable in such circumstances (Mijares and Chan, 2018). The dramatic rise in mortality among frontline employees (Alotaibi and Yamin, 2019) has prompted most governments to deploy different robots to aid human personnel. Since robotic appliances have been used in a variety of sectors since the mid-2000s, they are readily accessible for improvement and utilisation (Kim, Gu, and Heo, 2016). This makes it possible to include robots in the therapeutic sector. Workshops with scientists and researchers who use robots in such infectious outbreaks were organised by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) between 2014 and 2016 in response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (Coltart et al., 2017).

The rapid deployment of a wide range of robots with the capacity to sterilise, dispense drugs, measure vital signs, etc. (Tavakoli et al., 2020) was made possible by technologically sophisticated nations. Most developing nations couldn't afford these cutting-edge facilities because they don't have the resources to pay for the ongoing costs of maintaining and training robots, much alone integrating them into existing infrastructure (Romero, Huerfano, and Melo, 2019). High rates of consumption brought about by the rising demand for these robots led to a shortage (Patel et al., 2017). Up to 2022, it is anticipated that there may be sporadic needs for physical separation measures (Kanzawa et al., 2020).

Telepresence

In rural and inaccessible areas, doctors may have a “telepresence” in the room thanks to robots that assist them assess and treat patients.

Figure 1.

Telepresence Robots

979-8-3693-2105-8.ch002.f01

  • NIGA-BOT: Telepresence robot that may be wheeled about the waiting room and used for real-time video and audio conversations between patients and their physicians. This facilitates remote monitoring and reduces the need for regular contact. It has a screen and speakers that allow for interaction (Gangopadhyay and Ukil, 2022).

  • Maitri: This robot's primary purpose is to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from spreading among hospital employees and sanitation workers. The robot, which is 3.5 feet tall, is outfitted with a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen, allowing medical professionals to engage with patients from afar. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows for smartphone control at a range of up to 20 feet. The fact that it can go in any direction speaks to its potent locomotive qualities. Upon full charge, the robot's battery can power it for up to eight hours. Since Maitri can store food and water, it may be utilised to provide patients with these necessities without requiring as much direct care from staff (Martinez-Martin and del Pobil, 2018).

Zorabot is a software firm located in Belgium that created the Cruzr robot. The medical and senior care institutions that used this robot were under full lockdown at the time. Thanks to its camera and image processing skills, the robot is able to count the individuals in a room, speak with them in one of 53 different languages, and even determine whether or not a mask is being worn correctly. The robot's thermal imaging cameras enable it to detect and react to people's temperatures. Because of its remote controllability, the robot may be used for both patient monitoring and cleaning when medical professionals are away from the hospital (Craig et al., 2021).

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset