Automation and AI technology are rapidly changing the health care environment. Now, robot nurses are becoming a reality and a need in many health facilities. They boost infection control efforts and support human nurses in various tasks. Explore what robot nurses are, their benefits, and the possible ethical and social implications of implementing them. What Is a Robot Nurse? Robot nurses use AI technology to provide administrative and logistical support in hospitals and other health care centers. They utilize cutting-edge technology to support nurses, allowing them to focus on providing proper care. Many tech companies are creating solutions like AI-powered robots that can help in disinfecting efforts. As health care establishments aim to promote the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control, these robotic systems are proving invaluable tools in the fight against hospital-acquired infections. The Current State of Infection Control in Hospitals At least one in every 10 patients in low- and middle-income countries acquires an infection while receiving care in health facilities. These infections — also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) — may result in disability or death, while increased use of antibiotics may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. one in every 10 patients one in every 10 patients Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential to reducing HAIs. However, factors like resource and workforce shortages, inadequate in-service IPC training, and high infection rates can prevent the proper implementation. AI-Powered Robots in Infection Control AI-powered robots are revolutionizing IPC practices by providing quicker and more efficient disinfection benefits. For instance, there’s Xenex. Also known as the Xenex LightStrike robot, it uses UV light to help combat HAIs. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) used four Xenex disinfecting robots in 2017. In 2021, the health care system had a team of 10 autonomous disinfecting devices. TVHS Chief of Environmental Services Gary McCarthy said these robots have been used nearly 5,000 times since the onset of COVID-19 and are 99.99% effective against various infectious diseases. used four Xenex disinfecting robots used four Xenex disinfecting robots One study also found that robots’ UV-C irradiation drastically decreased the microbial growth on surfaces after manual disinfection and cleaning. Such devices automatically shut off when the motion sensor detects moving people during disinfection. drastically decreased the microbial growth drastically decreased the microbial growth What Other Tasks Can Robot Nurses Do? The rise of robot nurses is a significant step toward better patient care. They are not designed to replace the human element of nursing but to work in synergy with health care professionals. Explore what other tasks robotic assistants can do: Patient Monitoring Many devices can record vital signs around the clock. They have noninvasive sensors to check your temperature and radar to get respiration and heart rates. The collected data streams directly to electronic health records or nursing stations, offering fast, real-time review of a patient’s health data. The lack of direct interaction between a patient and health care worker can minimize the spread of infectious diseases. can record vital signs can record vital signs Some robots have advanced computer vision and sensors that can detect falls, making them ideal for older adults who are prone to falls. They can also monitor surroundings and check room conditions for things like humidity levels and unusual odors. Medication Administration Many robot nurses have an automated dispensing system, which minimizes medication dispensing errors and maximizes nurses’ working time. Autonomous mobile robots can safely transport medications from the pharmacy to patient rooms, speeding up delivery and freeing nurses from time-consuming transportation tasks. For example, the Evondos medicine dispensing robot can guide you in taking the correct meds and dose on schedule. the Evondos medicine dispensing robot Sample Collection Robotic systems are being developed to perform blood draws using imaging guidance to locate veins. The robots label, pack and transport specimens after blood extraction, reducing manual handling errors. One example is the Veebot, which automates needle insertion procedures through computer vision, medical imaging, AI and robotics. automates needle insertion procedures automates needle insertion procedures Physical Assistance Lifting and transferring patients, moving medical equipment, and maintaining balance while assisting patients with mobility issues are physically tiring. Robots can perform these tasks to prevent fatigue among nursing staff. Japan’s Robot for Interactive Body Assistance can help move patients from beds to wheelchairs and vice versa. help move patients from beds help move patients from beds This robot has smart rubber sensors that provide pressure detection and safe handling of patients. It features flexible motor control technology, enabling natural movements that mimic human caregivers. This advancement is especially beneficial for moving patients with mobility challenges. Emotional Support and Social Interaction Robot nurses are designed with gentle voices, friendly interfaces and engaging personalities. This is particularly helpful for elderly patients or those in isolation, helping to reduce feelings of boredom and loneliness. They can deliver personalized reminders, offer encouraging words and be an unwavering source of comfort. The Advantages of Robot Nurses in the Health Care Industry Here’s how robot nurses provide benefits in today’s demanding health care environment. Reduced Risk of Human Error Reduced Risk of Human Error Reduced Risk of Human Error Robots are consistent and precise, working 24/7 without fatigue. They reduce the potential for human error when administering medicine, ensuring you receive the right meds at the right time. Their continuous monitoring capabilities allow for quick intervention. More Responsive and Timely Care More Responsive and Timely Care More Responsive and Timely Care Delegating repetitive and logistical tasks like fetching supplies and transporting specimens to robots allows nurses to allocate their precious time to hands-on patient care. This means your needs are addressed more promptly, critical interventions happen without delays, and you’ll get more immediate and focused care. Reduced Workload Reduced Workload Reduced Workload Overloaded health care workers are 2.2 to 2.9 times more likely to experience burnout. Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding profession. Robot nurses can help lighten the burden of repetitive, strenuous tasks. Imagine the relief of a human nurse who no longer has to reposition heavy patients multiple times a day. When they have proper rest, they can provide high-quality patient care. 2.2 to 2.9 times more likely 2.2 to 2.9 times more likely The Ethical and Social Implications As with any modern technology, knowing the potential drawbacks can help you develop mitigation strategies. Job Displacement Concerns Automation and AI are changing the health care industry, and nurses may be worried that robots will take over their jobs. However, robot nurses are meant to work alongside nurses. Ideally, nurses will shift their focus to completing more complex assessments and providing the emotional support that only humans can give instead of manually performing tasks like taking vital signs. Risk of Environmental Hazards Unlike human staff, robots don’t wear disposable gloves or gowns. This may go against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which mandates employers supply appropriate PPE to protect workers from exposure to potentially infectious materials. mandates employers supply appropriate PPE Risk of Dehumanizing Patient Care While robots can perform tasks, they cannot replicate a compassionate human’s understanding, empathy and connection. Many moments in health care facilities that require an understanding ear or a reassuring smile are still exclusive to human caregivers. What’s Next for Robot Nurses? The next generation of robot nurses is poised to provide the following benefits. Swarm robotics: Imagine a health care facility where small, coordinated robots work together to disinfect larger areas. Microbots equipped with antimicrobial sprays or UV-C can help eliminate human oversight gaps and reduce the time between patient turnover and room readiness.
Advanced predictive sensors: Future robots will likely have upgraded sensors to identify high-touch surfaces and detect remaining pathogens after manual cleaning. They could even predict the most contaminated areas and adapt their cleaning routines.
Autonomous waste handling: Health care activities generate waste, 85% of which is nonhazardous and 15% hazardous. Robots may soon be able to segregate, compact and dispose of biohazardous waste without human contact, which can help reduce cross-contamination risks and needle-stick injuries. Swarm robotics: Imagine a health care facility where small, coordinated robots work together to disinfect larger areas. Microbots equipped with antimicrobial sprays or UV-C can help eliminate human oversight gaps and reduce the time between patient turnover and room readiness. Swarm robotics: Advanced predictive sensors: Future robots will likely have upgraded sensors to identify high-touch surfaces and detect remaining pathogens after manual cleaning. They could even predict the most contaminated areas and adapt their cleaning routines. Advanced predictive sensors: Autonomous waste handling: Health care activities generate waste, 85% of which is nonhazardous and 15% hazardous. Robots may soon be able to segregate, compact and dispose of biohazardous waste without human contact, which can help reduce cross-contamination risks and needle-stick injuries. Autonomous waste handling: 85% of which is nonhazardous 85% of which is nonhazardous A More Advanced Health Care Awaits Robot nurses are finally here to help build stronger defenses against infectious diseases, support overworked nursing staff and provide precise services. Integrating them may bring challenges, but the path forward is clear.

The is an opinion piece based on the author’s POV and does not necessarily reflect the views of HackerNoon.

The Robot Nurse is Here: AI Automation & the Future of U.S. Infection Control

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