Pressure on healthcare systems is growing. Luckily, an army of robots promises to speed up the delivery of hospital services while improving the quality and - ultimately, reducing the cost - of care. Here are just some of the companies (and their robots) that are leading the charge.
The impact of robots in healthcare
Hospitals worldwide are grappling with unprecedented pressures. An ageing population, rising chronic disease rates, the increasing cost of care, and workforce shortages are straining resources to their limits.
But a new era of robotics, fuelled by leaps in sensor tech, micro-electronics, and AI, is promising to answer many of these challenges simultaneously.
The role of robots in hospitals - from surgery to sanitisation
Robots are delivering amazing increases in the speed and efficacy of surgical interventions.
One 2024 UK study found:
- 29% improvement in the delivery rate of prostate operations
- A 50% reduction in length of stay (LoS)
- A 44% decrease in post-operative visits after 1 year
Source: LSE Research
But the positive impact of robots in hospitals is not just limited to surgical success
Automated mobile robots (AMRs) in hospitals can:
- Reduce the cost of sorting/transporting equipment and waste by 50-80%
- Decrease the average distance nurses walk each day by 3-4 miles
(source Global Data)
Robots in hospitals - paving the way for precision care
Here are 11 examples of different healthcare robots (and the companies behind them) bringing extraordinary innovation and efficiency to hospitals around the world
1. The da Vinci Surgical System
The da Vinci Surgical System from Intuitive (one of the pioneers of robotic surgery and diagnostics) allows surgeons to perform intricate procedures with exceptional precision and control. Equipped with high-definition 3D vision and miniature surgical instruments, this system reduces the need for large incisions, leading to quicker patient recovery and fewer complications.
The da Vinci system excels in delicate procedures, such as cardiac and gynaecological surgeries, offering minimally invasive solutions that are transforming surgical care.
Source: Da Vinci 5 - Robotic surgery system by Intuitive
2. Robotic Biopsy - Ion Robotic Platform
The Ion Robotic Platform, also from Intuitive, is designed for minimally invasive biopsy procedures. Its flexible catheter and advanced navigation system enable physicians to access hard-to-reach lung nodules with remarkable accuracy.
The Ion platform enhances diagnostic capabilities and ensures timely interventions by facilitating early cancer detection in previously inaccessible areas.
3. NaoTrac - Brain Navi Biotechnology
The NaoTrac is an autonomous surgical navigation robot developed by Brain Navi Biotechnology.
It integrates AI, machine vision, and robotic assistance, enabling surgeons to plan and execute procedures with exceptional and unprecedented precision.
This system has significant potential in neurosurgery, enhancing accuracy and streamlining workflows to improve patient outcomes.
Source: NaoTrac, the stereotactic surgical navigation robot by Brain Navi
4. EksoNR - Ekso Bionics
The EksoNR by Ekso Bionics is a state-of-the-art therapeutic exoskeleton designed to assist patients recovering from spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions.
Equipped with advanced sensors and adaptive algorithms, the EksoNR mimics natural walking patterns while offering real-time adjustments tailored to individual needs. This personalised rehabilitation experience accelerates recovery, enhances mobility, and empowers patients to regain independence.
Source: EksoNR exoskeleton by Ekso Bionics
5. Automated disinfection robots - Akara Robotics
Hospitals are leveraging automated disinfection robots like those developed by UK-based Akara Robotics.
These robots use UV-C light and AI to sanitise surfaces and air autonomously, significantly reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (AIS).
Akara claim their robotic sanitisation systems bring over a 50% reduction in staffing requirements and a 70% reduction in biocide use versus manual cleaning.
Source: Disinfection robot by Akara
6. HAL by Gaumard - The robot patient
Training healthcare professionals has become more realistic with advanced robotic patients like HAL from Gaumard. These lifelike mannequins simulate human biological scenarios, such as strokes and childbirth, enabling trainees to practice procedures in controlled environments.
HAL’s models provide realistic heartbeats, lung sounds, and neurological responses, offering unparalleled training opportunities for medical education. Trainee doctors can even speak to the robots to probe symptoms or request movements.
Source: Hal robot by Gaumard
7. Aethon’s TUG - Delivery robots for hospitals
Automated delivery robots, such as Aethon’s TUG, are transforming hospital logistics by autonomously transporting medications, lab specimens, and supplies.
By automating these routine tasks, TUG robots enhance operational efficiency, allowing healthcare staff to focus on direct patient care while ensuring timely delivery of services across facilities.
Source: Aethon
8. Therapeutic robots - Paro robotic seal
The Paro robotic seal is a therapeutic robot designed to provide comfort and companionship, particularly for geriatric and pediatric patients. Simulating the behaviour of a real animal, Paro helps reduce stress and improve mood in patients with conditions such as dementia.
With its soft design and lifelike interactions, Paro has been proven to alleviate anxiety and enhance emotional well-being.
Source: Therapeutic robot - Paro
9. DAISY - prototype by the University of York (UK)
The Diagnostic AI System for Robot-Assisted A&E Triage (DAISY) is a prototype designed to expedite diagnosis in emergency rooms. By collecting patient data, such as symptoms and vital signs, DAISY generates detailed reports for senior doctors.
This system has the potential to reduce waiting times, alleviate pressure on medical staff, and improve patient care in high-demand emergency departments.
10. Surgical tray inspection and assembly robot - RIF Robotics
The prototype of the Surgical tray inspection and assembly robot from RIF Robotics uses computer vision and AI to automate the inspection and assembly of surgical trays.
Instrument errors are costly. They cause delays in surgical procedures that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars every year.
RIF Robotics’ innovation will ensure accuracy and efficiency in surgical preparation, reducing log jams in surgical timetables - and streamlining workflows in operating rooms.
Future prototypes will be able to recognise more tools and determine if there’s any leftover “bioburden” (i.e., blood and bone) on instrument surfaces and evaluate instruments’ sharpness and overall condition.
11. REEV - Smart motorised knee brace
The REEV smart motorised knee brace is a ground-breaking device designed to restore mobility for patients recovering from strokes or managing movement challenges. Combining robotics and rehabilitation, the REEV brace enhances confidence and independence in daily activities, improving quality of life for millions.
Source: DREEVEN smart motorised knee brace by REEV
Hospital robotics is a growth market
Following the expiry of key patents held by Intuititve (the world leader in surgical robots), many new players and innovators have entered the scene. This has coincided with a revolution in ML (machine learning) as well as innovation in materiality and miniaturisation of IoT that has made new kinds of med tech possible.
The challenge of delivering medical devices
But, med tech innovators often need EMS providers to help them bring viable products to new and niche markets. They need help productising their inventions; making them as affordable as possible through DfM (Design for Manufacturing) and Value Engineering. At the same time, they must always meet the stringent quality and risk management standards demanded by the FDA, ISO 13485 and ISO 14971.
Finding an EMS partner with enough control over their supply chains - and the right expertise in electro-mechanical assembly - to deliver on quality, speed and price requirements is a hard balancing act.
Choose an end-to-end partner for assembly of hospital robotics
Choosing an EMS partner who can handle your end-to-end build requirements can help you optimise your end product, accelerate your route to market and your ROI. They can bring you:
- Help with complex medical device prototyping
- Access to global supply chain expertise to lever economies of scale
- Access to FDA-certified manufacturing facilities
- Access to new and lucrative global markets
- Specialist logistic operations for compliant med-tech delivery
- Access to highly skilled labour in mechatronics
- Support with ruggedising designs to ensure longevity and patient safety
- Access to cutting edge micro-electronics such as optical sensors
From micro to macro - how end-to-end partnerships can derisk robotics manufacturing
ESCATEC are experts in the assembly and distribution of electro-mechanical products in the medical sector. However, their skills in the design and manufacture of Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (and other sensor technologies) give many OEM clients a clear advantage as they prepare robotic products for global markets. With internal supply chains giving direct access to bespoke sensor tech like MOEMs, they can eliminate the risk of error and margin stacking in their precision manufacturing process.
We chose ESCATEC because they could provide us with a complete solution from designing how the product would work right through to the manufacture of the final products, all conforming to the ISO standard for medical equipment – ISO13485. This is an extremely complex device that people’s lives depend on, so it is vital that it designed and built to the highest standards.
Conclusion
Different kinds of robots are now delivering all kinds of services in hospitals around the world. But, whether they are performing operations, sanitising emergency rooms, or assisting in the care of patients, their precision and reliability are always a regulatory priority. For OEMs looking to break new medical markets or increase their reach in niche med-tech sectors, finding a reliable manufacturing partner who can answer all these needs should be at the top of their agenda.
