Robotics in Healthcare

The use of robots in the healthcare sector is increasing rapidly. Medical professionals can use robots for many kinds of surgery and rehabilitation but the potential offered by robots extends beyond these areas.

Robot assisted surgery has successfully been utilised in orthopaedic, laparoscopic and neurosurgery procedures amongst others.   Keyhole surgery using robots minimises invasive surgery and recovery time for the patient since it can work through very small incisions. Robots are used to enhance surgical precision across a range of procedures and are now a familiar sight in big hospitals. 

While the use of robots may give the impression that the machines are acting autonomously, in reality the great majority of robotic arms are an extension of the surgeon's hands, helping to hold instruments with greater accuracy. Regardless of the type of robot – autonomous, dependent, or shared control – the surgeon always maintains full control of the activities of the robot. Sensors mounted to the robotic arm can also provide surgeons with real time data that allows them to make minute adjustments during an operation. The challenge for the next generation of robots is to develop a level of learning that will allow them to learn from other robots.

Still expensive to design and produce, exoskeleton robotics is considered a growth area. For people with spinal cord injuries, limb amputations or debilitating torso, exoskeletons offer rehabilitative options that previously did not exist. The US military is funding research into exoskeleton research to address the large number of disabled soldiers returning from active service. As exoskeletons move beyond the R&D and prototyping phases, out in to the health care sector, other uses of the technology can emerge. In Japan, for example, the potential uses of exoskeletons for assistive care for an aging population is a promising area of investment. HAL, the Hybrid Assisted Leg, has been used to prevent workplace injuries, support aging workers to stay in the labour force, and clean up nuclear spillage in Fukushima. The Fukushima HAL was equipped with sensors to monitor the health of users operating the robots and protect them from prolonged exposure to radiation. At present, approximately 45 R&D groups globally are working on advances in robotic exoskeletons for use in healthcare, emergency response, mining, logging, and other areas where enhanced physical performance under stressful conditions is needed.

Disinfecting robotics is a big area for hospitals attempting to maintain high levels of cleanliness and prevent MRSA. The origami robot, which is designed to be swallowed, repairs internal stomach wounds. Companion robots, designed to be lovable, are forming part of efforts to combat social isolation and depression, to work with traumatised children and to help with assisted living needs. Robots can work with chemicals that are hazardous to humans as well as contribute to greater operational efficiencies along the supply and manufacturing chain.

There are three key drivers behind the expanded potential of robots in healthcare. These are

• The continual miniaturisation of electronics which means that smarter, smaller circuit boards can be used in a range of robots

• The emergence of generic robotic technologies into the market place. Many of the patents on the earlier robots are about to expire which is opening the market to start ups and health care entrepreneurs who have new prototypes.

• Research into the use of robots in non-medical areas like mining, emergency response, fire and natural disaster response and remote or hazardous response is opening the market to innovative,  cheaper iterations of robotic technology which will fuel other medical uses.