5 Medical Robots Making a Difference in Healthcare

Robotics in healthcare was a futuristic concept. However, at present it is a reality.

Today, robots have become an essential extension of healthcare workers for many hospitals and other medical facilities. Medical robots can perform surgeries, deliver medicine, and disinfect rooms in minutes.

They don’t get tired and offer outstanding precision unattainable by humans. Moreover, lower-level and repetitive tasks in medical centers can now be automated. This helps healthcare workers to focus more on critical tasks and patients’ conditions.  

In this article, we will list the popular medical robots that are currently making a difference in healthcare and highlight what the future of robots in the healthcare sector looks like.

Popular medical robots in use

As per reports, the global medical robotics market has increased from approximately $14.9 billion in 2023 to a projected $57.0 billion by 2032.

However, in the U.S. alone, the medical robotics market is experiencing substantial growth, with a projected market size of USD 39.07 billion by 2034. This growth is fueled by technological advancements, increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures, and robust healthcare infrastructure and funding.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular robots currently in the healthcare industry:

 The da Vinci® Surgical Robot

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery uses robotic systems to aid surgical procedures.

This robotic system has four interactive robotic arms. Three arms carry the surgical tools, whereas the fourth arm carries a 3D camera. This 3D camera offers high-definition vision and 10X magnification, which helps surgeons access inaccessible regions in the body and operate successfully.

Throughout the procedure, the surgeon is seated at the da Vinci Robotic Surgery System console, from where they will control the robotic arms.

And as the procedure begins, the surgeon directs the camera and surgical instruments into the patient’s body. However, the surgeon controls the movement of these arms throughout the surgical procedure.

The da Vinci robot is designed to facilitate minimally invasive surgery through robotic assistance. It is ideal in complex surgeries because it allows surgeons to avoid nerves and organs. Likewise, these small incisions will enable the patient to resume normal activities soon. In addition, there is less blood loss, which helps the patients to regain strength and stamina over time.

The Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot

The Xenex is an automated, portable robot that uses pulsed, full-spectrum UV light to destroy a variety of infectious germs and disinfect entire hospital rooms in a matter of minutes in order to tackle infectious diseases.

By significantly reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the Xenex robot provides hospitals with an innovative solution that raises the bar for cleanliness and aligns with today’s demands for speed, safety, and environmental responsibility.

The PARO Therapeutic Robot

The interactive PARO Therapeutic Robot, resembles a young harbor seal.

In contrast to the previous two mentioned above, this robot is designed to enhance patient care during surgical recovery or to treat people with depression or other mental health conditions.

PARO loves attention and responds with various emotions and gestures, engaging people who might usually be withdrawn. It is a comforting, soothing companion who promotes well-being by allowing users to explore their playful side.

It has also been demonstrated that PARO helps patients feel more calmer and more at ease. As a result, it is frequently utilized with older dementia patients. 

The CyberKnife

The CyberKnife System is the first and only fully robotic radiotherapy device. It has been used to treat various cancers that benefit from high-precision radiation. It is particularly effective for treating hard-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain, spine, and lungs.

CyberKnife uses an approach called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS SBRT).

During the radiation delivery, CyberKnife’s robotic arm, guided by live imaging, moves around the patient to direct radiation from multiple angles, ensuring the dose is concentrated only on the tumor, further minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

With CyberKnife, patients can experience a less intrusive treatment. Moreover, it does require anesthesia or overnight hospital stays, which is very good.

The TUG

TUG, an autonomous mobile robot, delivers supplies to the desired location, relieving staff members of strenuous physical labor and enabling them to concentrate on patient care.

A key element of their effectiveness is their ability to navigate independently without requiring direct human intervention.

Using a powerful combination of sensors and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, TUG robots analyze their surroundings, plan optimal routes, and avoid obstacles in real time. This makes them ideally suited for the fast-paced and often cluttered environment of hospitals.

Another valuable feature of TUG robots is their adaptability. They can be programmed to adhere to specific schedules, enabling them to make regular deliveries. Alternatively, they can respond to on-demand requests for urgent deliveries of supplies or medications. This flexibility allows TUG robots to integrate seamlessly into diverse workflows, enhancing efficiency across dynamic healthcare settings.

What’s next for robotics in healthcare?

The healthcare system is overburdened. Doctors and other healthcare practitioners have very less time for more and more patients. This much-cited shortage of skilled workers is coming up against an increasingly ageing society. 

But what if technology could support surgeons in some stages of surgery? This is precisely where the robots serve as an additional support.

Hence, the research and development in the medical field are not slowing down; instead, they are coming up with more sophisticated robots. They are even expanding into new realms like nanotechnology, brain-computer interfaces, and even robotic prosthetics.

As technology matures, it is expected to open up new applications in healthcare, each bringing along its own set of advantages and challenges.

But as robots become an increasingly integral component of the healthcare ecosystem, it’s crucial for tech leaders and healthcare professionals to understand the double-edged sword that this technology represents.

Whether it’s the unparalleled precision in surgical procedures or the looming questions about ethical considerations, robotics in healthcare demands our undivided attention.

In brief:

Medical robots are revolutionizing healthcare by introducing unmatched precision, consistency, and automation.

Once limited to industries like manufacturing and defense, robotics now plays a critical role in medicine — especially in surgical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care.