There are robots filling roles in ways that we would never have predicted just ten years ago.  Right now we are at a crucial moment, with automation likely to replace many of our jobs. The changing shape of employment has been an issue since the Industrial Revolution – this fourth revolution is just yet another step in the changing relationship with technology.

What you might believe is that this danger to employability is only in low skilled positions. Positions such as doctors and nurses should be safe from the rise of robots – right? Well, let’s explore if this is the case or not.

Robots in medicine

Robotics experts were always likely to show interest in the medical field. There is much potential for the implementation of precision and computer intelligence, whether it is taking a patient’s vitals or performing intricate levels of surgery not possible with the human hand.

While we may worry that this is the start of a robot takeover with the loss of all human morality and ethics, we might want to calm down. In reality, robotics is likely to mean better diagnostics and safer surgeries. You will be able to get appointments quicker and there will be lower infection rates. In short, it will be everything we have now, but much better. Survival rates will improve and this alone should be something that excites us.

The daVinci System

One of the better places to begin when exploring robotics in medicine is with the daVinci system. This is technology that offers robot-assisted surgery. Whether this is a medical device or a robot is worthy of debate – but in reality – this machine means the surgeon needs to make fewer incisions that are tiny in comparison. As a consequence, there is less bleeding, quicker recovery and a lower chance of infection.

To put this into context: the daVinci system has been around for 18 years now.

Actuated and sensory prosthesis

Prosthetics is one area that has advanced incredibly over the last few years. Unfortunately, the impact of war and improvised weapons has made it necessary to evolve this technology. There are limbs that are gyroscopically actuated, which means they are able to track their position in 3D space and adjust itself 750 times per second.

There are now neural implant systems which means the user can control the limb by thinking what they want to do. This unification of man and robot is a monumental step forward and will offer much relief for amputees around the world.

Endoscopy Bot

The endoscopy bot might sound a little more sci-fi. However, the procedure to have a camera inserted into your body to search for problems is both uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Now, there is a bot that can be inserted and driven like a radio controlled car to the point that needs to be inspected. This bot is both slender and flexible and makes the procedure more comfortable. It removes the chance of human tremor causing discomforting and causing further damage.

The capsule endoscopy is literally the size of a poll and can travel through your digestive tract gathering data. The level of diagnostic information offered here is amazing.

Exoskeleton

A robotic exoskeleton is a wonderful use of robotics for those with spinal injury, muscle weaknesses or brain injury. It can help people move again and so begin to heal the damage. They can actually help people to walk again who would otherwise be confined to a wheelchair. 

Exoskeletons work with a combination of user input and pre-set movements. Again, there are advances in neural interfaces that could allow direct mind control of the exoskeleton. 

Targeted therapy micro robot

The latest development in robotics in the near microscopic robots used to deliver drugs or other target therapy to a site in the body.  For instance, it could involve the delivery of radiation to a tumour or a medication right to the organ in need of the drug. These bots are under research and the delivery models are still being investigated. There is thought that a magnetic field could help them spin through the blood vessels, which is both cool and a little weird science at the same time.

Disinfectant bots

The current COVID-19 issues have made the disinfectant bot a useful tool for hospitals – and most other public places. However, hospitals need to be particularly careful to maintain a bacteria free area, as the number of antibiotics administered creates a perfect environment for antibiotic resistant strains. Humans can be error-prone and lazy in their approach, whereas a robot will always follow instructions.