Robots in Healthcare: From Hospital Assistants to Surgical Support

The healthcare industry is increasingly turning to robotics to address staffing shortages, reduce burnout, and improve patient care. From robots assisting nurses with logistical tasks to the development of advanced humanoid robots capable of complex procedures, the integration of robotics is poised to reshape the future of medicine.

Moxi: The Hospital Helper

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and now at over 25 hospitals nationwide, robots like Moxi are already making a difference. Developed by Diligent Robotics, Moxi assists medical staff by taking on repetitive tasks such as delivering lab samples, retrieving medications, and transporting supplies. This frees up nurses and other healthcare professionals to focus on direct patient care.

“I don’t have to go take my 10,000 steps down into the belly of the hospital to go find things and get it for my patient,” Melanie Barone, an associate director at Cedars-Sinai, told CBS News.

Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, New York, was an early adopter of Moxi, beginning utilize in 2023 and currently operating eight of the devices. Casey Wilbert, vice president of Rochester Regional Health, highlighted the economic benefits, stating, “One of the great things about the robots is you’re not paying overtime, …they don’t take sick days.”

Cedars-Sinai began using Moxi in September 2021, and nurses can request assistance via phone or text, with the robot responding within five minutes.

Beyond Logistics: The Rise of Humanoid Robots

While Moxi focuses on logistical support, the development of humanoid robots promises even more significant advancements. Companies like Apptronik are creating robots designed to adapt to human environments, using the same tools and spaces as people.

Experts predict substantial growth in the humanoid robotics segment, potentially reaching $40 billion to $200 billion within the next decade. This growth is expected to be driven by labor gaps in various industries, including healthcare, defense, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Surgical Assistance and Elder Care

Humanoid robots are also being explored for surgical assistance. Researchers at UC San Diego are developing robots capable of performing tasks like soft tissue cutting autonomously. The unique needs of healthcare, particularly in navigating hospital environments, craft a human-like form factor particularly advantageous.

Apptronik’s CEO, Jeff Cardenas, envisions humanoid robots assisting elderly individuals with daily tasks, promoting graceful and dignified aging.

Limitations and the Human Touch

Despite the advancements, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of robotics in healthcare. As David Marshall, chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai, emphasizes, “Robots touch things and people touch people. They could never hold a patient’s hand or wipe their brow or help them brush their teeth.” The human element of care remains irreplaceable.

The Future of Robotics in Healthcare

The integration of robotics into healthcare is still in its early stages, but the potential benefits are significant. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see robots playing an increasingly important role in supporting healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, anticipates selling humanoid robots to the public as early as next year, with expectations of “very high reliability.”