A significant portion of the technology we create stems from our desire to surpass our natural capabilities. As an instance, computers were invented to perform mathematical computations at speeds far beyond the capacity of even the smartest individuals. Emerging from the need to go beyond our inherent capabilities, robotics has evolved significantly. Originally designed to automate tasks in manufacturing during the 1960s, industrial robots are now used to support and safeguard their human colleagues.
Robotic systems now manage industrial tasks that need additional strength and endurance such as palletising and handling. It also helps in precision focused activities like welding and cutting. Along with processes where human safety could be compromised such as chemical spraying. Since robots entered human society sixty years ago, their original functions have become specialised and diversified across a range of fields. Today they are active in agriculture and law enforcement. They also play important roles in household and consumer goods.
The medical robots market exemplifies the profound impact robot has on humanity. It is primarily due to their capability to aid in the treatment of patients within the medical field. In the medical robots market, autonomy levels usually increase with the distance from the patient. As an instance, a surgical robot which operates in close proximity to the patient possesses no independence and is entirely controlled by the surgeon. While sanitation robots which operate at a greater distance from patients possess a greater capacity to determine their actions based on the surrounding environment.
Robots are currently utilised in many ways within the healthcare sector. All intended to help humans surpass their natural limitations in safety and capability. The development of these robotic applications is progressing swiftly in surgery and various medical disciplines. Robots are increasingly becoming standard in clinics and operating rooms. They represent just one of the many approaches the healthcare sector is advancing technology.
The Types
The medical robots market size is growing rapidly and offers numerous types for different purposes. Robotics in medicine and healthcare have come a long way from their initial applications in the operating room over thirty years ago. Now robots play a part in several areas of medicine.
- Surgical robots
Medical robots have been in use since the ‘80s. It started with their role in supporting surgeons during operations. Now robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common in surgical settings.
Integrating robotics into surgical procedures provides distinct benefits. Robots ensure that surgeons and their teams receive dependable and stable support during operations. During spine surgery, they are able to keep instruments along with implant components steadily and accurately in the screw’s replacement process for decompression.
Beyond standard procedures, they can provide support during difficult surgical approaches. That includes one position fusions which often necessitate awkward setups for the surgeon. Along with surgical navigation in the scoliosis operations, robots can also help tackle the alignment difficulties that arise from the complex anatomy of the patients.
By providing stable positioning for instruments, robots improve precision and enable surgeons and their teams to have their hands free during operations. Their reliability also holds the promise of reducing the overall duration of surgical procedures. In spine surgeries that do not involve robotic support, a surgeon is responsible for aligning the instruments and drilling. It is all while simultaneously checking and maintaining the correct alignment.
By employing a surgical robot, the tasks of drilling and alignment are separated into two distinct steps. It alleviates some of the mental load for the surgeon and possibly leads to faster drilling. Quicker surgeries provide advantages for the surgeon and particularly the patient who would spend less time under anaesthesia.
- Radiotherapy robots
The 1990s saw the introduction of robotics in radiotherapy marked by the first system that involved a linear accelerator attached to a robotic arm. It enables targeted treatment of tumours in multiple areas of the body. Robotics have continued to evolve in the fields of radiosurgery and radiotherapy. As an instance, treatment couches robots accurately position patients before treatment starts. They enable clinicians to adjust the patient’s position remotely from outside the treatment area.
- Rehabilitation
While rehabilitation robots are still an emerging area, the notion of employing machines for patient rehabilitation was pioneered by Theodor Budingen. He patented a device to support stepping motions in individuals with heart disease. The earliest genuine robotic rehabilitation devices utilised the concept of passive motion which facilitates movement of a patient’s body part while they are at rest.
Gait rehabilitation is one area where robotics is applied. In comparison to conventional physical therapy techniques, robotic systems provide structured and vigorous training. It reduces the therapist’s workload while also enabling data-driven evaluations of patient progress. This effectiveness is leading to a rise in the use of robots in rehabilitation settings.
- Laboratory
For the past three decades, robots have been integral to laboratory settings. These robots are specifically engineered to automate processes or aid technicians in performing routine tasks. Just as in industrial settings, laboratory robots are often employed to manage tasks with dangerous substances and chemicals. The automation provided by these robots boosts efficiency and precision while minimising human error.
- Prosthetics
This innovative application for medical use aims to provide users with realistic limb functionality. Even though robotic prostheses are accessible, their high costs remain a barrier for patients as the technology progresses.
- Hospital robots
Equipped with a pre-set map of their surroundings and integrated sensors, these robots are currently transporting medications and meals throughout healthcare facilities. The covid pandemic has heightened the need for contactless sanitisation. It is crucial for protecting hospital staff and patients. Robots in hospitals are increasingly taking on the responsibility of cleaning rooms and various areas. It thereby lessening the likelihood of healthcare workers coming into contact with harmful pathogens.
- Social robots
Another type in the medical robots market is for social purposes. In a hospital environment, social robots offer cognitive support to patients particularly children and elderly. It is by engaging in social interactions and offering encouragement. It also demonstrates how to carry out specific motor activities. These human-like robots can carry out their tasks with a high degree of autonomy while interacting seamlessly with patients and healthcare staff. Amidst the nursing shortages prevalent in hospitals worldwide, these social robots could potentially offer the essential social interaction that patients often lack.
