The world is spun by new technologies and AI daily. Ths AI-guided robotics and the concept of automation are slowly becoming a trend across several countries. In the case of healthcare, this automation process helps relieve the professionals of the time-consuming, mundane tasks they have day after day. So, the future of robotics and automation is steady and crucial in the medical industry, and medical devices are no exception.
The medical device aided by robotics was first introduced in the 1980s, and it has ever since been a massive influence in the industry. The use of robotic medical devices has expanded, and its future, especially in the case of surgeries, looks very promising. Something you can learn more about at www.AMEequipment.ca.
There are several developments in robotics-assisted medical devices. With more robotic-influenced healthcare ahead, this article will walk you through the benefits and challenges of robotics in medical devices and the road ahead.
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How Can Robotics Be Used in Medical Devices?
While robotics in health care was predominantly found in operating rooms, there has been a larger scope and a perfect development of robotics in medical devices. Today, it is found useful across many areas in the medical field. Some of the most prominent ones include robotics for radiotherapy, rehabilitation robots, laboratory robots, robotic prosthetics, social robots, and a lot more.
Source: ifr.org
While rehabilitation robots have been in the market for over a century, laboratory robots have been used for the last 30 years. Robotic prosthetics are a relatively newer concept in robots used for medical purposes. When we talk about social robots, it gives patients cognitive support by creating social interaction and encouragement.
Similarly, robotics for radiotherapy has been practiced since the 1990s. Over the last sixty – seventy years, robotics in medical devices have found different purposes and specialized in various departments. With advancements in technology and related studies and research, there is a definite future for robotics in the medical field.
Robotic Devices in Surgery
The main area where robotics automation has surged is surgery. With research and tests, there is excellent potential unearthed for surgical techniques. There have also been more remarkable milestones. For instance, in 2019, a new remote robotic brain surgery was conducted in a hospital in Toronto to treat a brain aneurysm. First things first, when we call it robotic surgery, it is not that a robot performs the surgery. Instead, what it means is that a surgeon with the use of robotic medical devices is performing the surgery.
So, medical robotic-assisted surgery, aka RAS device, is becoming more and more famous in the surgery sphere allowing the surgeon to perform a procedure without having to be physically present in the room with the patient. This is only one of the many ways robotic devices are used in the medical world.
Robotic mobile devices can also be preprogrammed to perform orthopedic surgeries. For example, AI modeling helps robots be trained in specific orthopedic surgeries so that robotic devices can perform knee and hip replacements.
Benefits of Robotic Medical Devices
Source: emerj.com
Precision
Think about the human errors and tendencies that could come in the way of successful treatment. For instance, sudden muscle spasms could be a hindrance in the middle of surgery. But with robotic devices, you can perform medical treatment with improved precision.
Streamlined Routine Tasks
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can streamline clinical workflows and reduce the demands on human workers when hospitals are shorthanded on staff in maintaining daily tasks and placing timely orders. AMRs can also help sanitize rooms and record details, creating more space for workers on other important works.
Freedom
How would you want a future to be? What if you can consult the best-in-class doctor from the other end of the world to perform surgery without leaving your location? The baby steps of such geographic freedom are what medical robotics devices provide. As of now, a surgeon can perform surgery without being in the same room as the patient. Over time, we could conduct life-saving surgeries in any part of the world without worrying about transport, equipment, and others.
Less Invasive
When we perform surgeries, surgeons have to make large incisions to treat a particular body part. However, fortunately, when you operate using robotic medical devices, the incisions can be small. So, less invasive, lesser pain, and has better healing.
Challenges of Robotic Medical Devices
Source: medicalplasticsnews.com
Safety
Wherever there is a development based on the best technology available, it leads to threats to cybersecurity and safety. So robotic medical devices are no exception. As the devices get more advanced, there are more chances of cyber threats. So, there is a part of the industry working hard to eliminate it, but it sure will take more time, and using robotic devices in healthcare means you need to be double cautious and protected.
Execution
Just like any idea or a new concept, there is a challenge when it comes to implementing robotic medical devices. You not only need a proper plan and technology methods but also create an environment that will help you make a mindset shift.
The Road Ahead
AI has a mixed response across multiple industries, which leads to hesitation in implementing the newer concepts. So, there is a specific uncomfortable condition in the medical sphere. But there is also a positive sign that most physicians believe AI-powered software helps in accurate decisions and reduces the pressure on staff on routine tasks.
According to studies, there is also an increased burnout rate among physicians, and robotics in medical devices can help provide for the shortage of health workers. Since robots have been an integral part of the medical industry for several years, the future looks more promising. The advancements in data analytics, computer vision, and machine learning also provide the scope for growth in robotics in medical devices. With the evolution of medical robotics, there are more efficient options that can solve many healthcare challenges.
