Types and Applications of Medical Robots
Medical robots are becoming increasingly diverse and are classified according to their specific functions into clinical medical robots, nursing robots, medical teaching robots, and service robots for the disabled.
1. Hospital Distribution Robots
Intelligent distribution robots are primarily used for delivering medicines, meals to isolation wards, and transporting bedclothes or medical waste. Controlled by a central "brain," these robots can autonomously open doors, ride elevators, avoid obstacles, and recharge themselves without human intervention. Equipped with ultraviolet disinfection lamps, they keep both the cabinet and items safe. These robots also support real-time voice and video communication, allowing direct interaction with nurses or patients. In addition, drug delivery robots can take over tasks such as transporting meals, medical cases, and laboratory test reports from nursing staff.
2. Patient Transport Robots
Mobile patient robots assist nurses in moving or transporting patients who are paralyzed or have limited mobility.
3. Clinical Medical Robots
Clinical medical robots include surgical and diagnostic robots capable of performing precise operations or assessments. Examples include:
WAPRU-4: a Japanese thoracic tumor diagnostic robot.
Da Vinci Surgical System: developed in the U.S., FDA-certified, featuring four robotic arms that allow surgeons to perform precise procedures such as heart valve repair and tumor resections.
NASA is planning experiments for medical robots in underwater laboratories and space shuttles, enabling doctors to operate remotely from the ground. U.S. military applications also exist; in 2005, the military invested $12 million in the Battlefield Trauma Management System, which places robotic devices in tanks and armored vehicles to perform simple medical procedures under remote guidance during combat.
Endovascular Robotic System: developed by WeMed Medical, NMPA-certified. It is the world's first interventional surgical robot to achieve the integrated coordination of "Eye-Hand-Bbrain."
4. Robots for the Disabled
Also known as rehabilitation robots, these devices help disabled individuals regain independence. An example is the Prab Command System in the United States.
5. Nursing Robots
Developed primarily in the U.K., nursing robots assist medical staff by performing routine tasks. They can confirm patient identities, accurately distribute medications, monitor vital signs, clean wards, and even provide doctors with real-time patient updates via video transmission.
6. Medical Teaching Robots
Medical teaching robots serve as ideal training aids. For instance, the U.S. uses a robot called Noel, which simulates a woman in labor and can talk or scream. By recreating real birthing scenarios, these robots improve surgical coordination and on-site responsiveness for obstetrics and gynecology staff.
