We all know that having a skilled medical professional taking care of you in a time of need can make a huge difference when it comes to your recovery.  But did you know the same can be said about robots? 

Robotic technology has been used to provide medical care on a limited basis over the past two decades, helping to make surgical procedures and physical rehabilitation more efficient and effective, and safer for patients. Recent advances in robots’ technological capabilities, combined with the improving economic environment for medical services delivery and payments, are driving increased demand for surgical, assistive and telemedicine-based robots.

Larry Fisher, research director of NextGen (ABI Research’s emerging technologies research incubator) says, “While robots to assist surgeons have been used on a limited basis for years, the desire of patients, physicians and payors to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of medical treatment has led to a recent surge in the popularity of medical robots, as well as to the introduction of additional assistive technologies and telemedicine-based automation tools.”

Despite the benefits of using automated and assistive technologies to make medical procedures and activities easier, safer and more cost-effective, the initial cost of implementing such technologies remains a barrier to entry, particularly for smaller medical organizations. Moreover, robotic systems designed for medical care and treatment require significant clinical testing and trials as part of the regulatory approvals process, which can raise these products’ price tags, and make their journey to market a lengthy one.

Even though the technology seems to be costly, it’s definitely worth looking into.  Robotic technology can help make things that much easier during surgeries, physical therapy sessions, etc.  With the life expectancy consistently rising, it’s advantageous to consider implementing this technology because it can definitely be life changing.