Basic types of medical robots
There are many types of medical robots, which can be classified according to their purpose, such as clinical medical robots, nursing robots, medical teaching robots, and robots that serve people with disabilities.
1. Hospital delivery robots
The intelligent delivery robots are mainly responsible for delivering medicines and meals to the isolation area and collecting linens and medical waste in the hospital. Through the intelligent scheduling of the "brain" control center, they can realize functions such as opening and closing doors autonomously, taking elevators autonomously, avoiding obstacles autonomously, and charging autonomously, without human operation. The cabinet is equipped with ultraviolet disinfection lamps to keep the cabinet and items safe at all times. The robot also has remote real-time voice and video communication functions, and can communicate directly with nurses or patients in the isolation ward through the scheduling system. The medicine delivery robot can replace nurses in delivering meals, medical records and test reports, etc. [1]
2. Mobile patient robot: Primarily assists nurses in moving or transporting paralyzed or immobile patients;
3. Clinical medical robots
Clinical medical robots include surgical robots and diagnostic and therapeutic robots, capable of performing precise surgeries or diagnoses. In the United States, medical robots are also being applied in the military field. In 2005, the U.S. military invested $12 million in research on a "battlefield trauma treatment system." This robotic system is installed in tanks and armored vehicles. During wartime, guided by commands from headquarters, the robot can perform simple surgeries on the wounded, stabilizing their condition while awaiting rescue.
4. Robots serving people with disabilities
Robots that serve people with disabilities are also called rehabilitation robots, which can help people with disabilities regain their ability to live independently, such as the Prab Command system in the United States.
5. Nursing robots
British scientists are developing a nursing robot that could alleviate the heavy and tedious workload of caregivers. The newly developed robot will help healthcare workers identify patients and accurately dispense necessary medications. In the future, the robot will also be able to check patients' temperatures, clean wards, and even help doctors understand patients' conditions in a timely manner through video transmission.
6. Medical teaching robots
Medical teaching robots are ideal teaching tools. American medical professionals currently use a teaching robot called "Noel," which can simulate a pregnant woman about to give birth, and even speak and scream. By simulating real childbirth, it helps improve the surgical coordination and on-site response of obstetric and gynecological medical staff.
