One area where medical robots are being widely adopted is in robotic surgery. Robotic surgical systems are computer-controlled robots that perform minimally invasive surgery. Some of the advantages of robotic surgery over traditional laparoscopic surgery include:
Medical Robots surgical systems allow surgeons greater control, precision, and range of motion compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques. The robotic systems use computer controls and very small cameras and instruments to magnify the surgical field and filter hand tremors. This allows surgeons to perform even more intricate procedures through very small incisions, leading to less pain and scarring for patients.
Procedures like prostatectomies, hysterectomies, cardiac bypass surgery and many others are now routinely performed robotically. Robotic surgery has been shown to reduce blood loss, hospital stays and recovery times compared to open surgery. As surgeons gain experience with these systems, operation times are also decreasing. Hospitals are actively investing in robotic surgical platforms to offer their patients advanced minimally invasive options.
Robotic Rehabilitation
Another active area of robotics in medicine is in rehabilitation therapies. Robotic exoskeletons and End Effector devices are being developed to help patients regain mobility after injuries or diseases like stroke. Some examples include:
Exoskeletons are wearable robotic suits that work in tandem with the patient’s movements to support and guide physical therapy exercises. These are being designed for both upper and lower body rehabilitation. As patients regain strength over time, the robotic assistance is gradually reduced. This allows for intensive, personalized therapy that minimizes the risk of reinjury.
For patients recovering the use of their hands and arms, robotic devices are available to track range of motion and provide guidance during reaching, grasping and fine motor tasks. Interactive games and virtual reality simulations keep patients engaged as they progress through therapy programs tailored for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or neurological impairments.
Studies show robotic therapies produce comparable or better motor improvements than traditional therapies alone, allowing patients to recover function faster. As these systems get smaller, lighter and more versatile, robotic rehabilitation will play an increasingly important role in delivering effective outpatient care.
Assistive Robotics
For elderly and disabled individuals, assistive robots are in development to help with common activities of daily living. Some examples include:
Companion robots – Social robots are being designed for home use to reduce loneliness, prompt medications, detect falls and call for help if needed. Their role is to provide supportive social interaction and help link patients to telehealth services if needed.
Mobility aids – Robotic walkers, wheelchairs and exoskeletons aim to assist elderly/disabled patients get around independently. Some incorporate navigation systems, fall detection and obstacle avoidance features for enhanced safety.
Prosthetics – Advanced prosthetic limbs are being developed using myoelectric controls that respond to muscle signals, providing lifelike dexterity. Targeted nerve stimulation techniques also aim to restore sensory feedback.
Task assistance – Soft robotic grippers are being integrated into home robots capable of retrieving items, opening containers and performing simple chores under voice command to minimize physical effort.
As the population ages, demand for such technologies will increase to support independent living. With continued improvements in capabilities, cost and acceptance, assistive robots have huge potential to make a real difference to quality of life.
Advancing Medical Robots
While already revolutionizing various procedures, surgical robotics continues advancing. Researchers are developing new robotics technologies with aims like:
Miniaturizing systems – Efforts focus on making surgical robots truly minimally invasive by developing robotic tools small enough to operate through single-port access or natural orifices. This could expand the benefits of robotics to more patients and procedures.
Enhanced imaging capabilities – Next-gen systems will integrate augmented/mixed reality displays directly into the surgeons’ field of view, providing real-time, highly magnified 3D visuals along with diagnostic information.
Autonomous functions – Surgical robots will gain new autonomous functions like automatically clamping blood vessels, precise suturing/knot-tying and stapling/anastomosis. This could boost efficiency in standardized portions of complex cases.
Haptic feedback – Advanced force-feedback systems will allow surgeons to get a realistic sense of tissue interactions via the robotic controls for a more natural operating experience.
Multi-specialty collaboration – Future operating rooms could see teams of surgeons across different specialties collaborating remotely using advanced telepresence robotics for integrated, multidisciplinary care.
With huge growth projected, medical robots is revolutionizing healthcare delivery. As the technologies evolve, robot-assisted medicine will transform patient outcomes across more specialties in the years ahead.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
