Robots will make the hospital of the future fully automatic

In the future, robots could carry out anything from 3D printing of bones and organs to establishing accurate diagnoses and carrying out complex surgery.

DIAGNOSES

NOW: A doctor combines his knowledge and experience with digital works of reference concerning diseases. In some cases, computer algorithms can help him search through huge quantities of data.

IN THE FUTURE: The doctor feeds an artificial intelligence robot the patient’s symptoms, genetic traits, and case history, and subsequently, algoritms make a diagnosis in a split second.

SURGERY

NOW: Experienced surgeons carry out the surgery themselves or use remote- controlled robots, which the surgeon operates via joysticks. Several nurses help out during the surgery.

IN THE FUTURE: Robotic surgeons carry out anything from intestinal surgery to cataract surgery. The human surgeon is an observer monitoring the surgery.

SPARE PARTS

NOW: Bones are replaced by steel or titanium hip implants, but they are often worn out after 15-20 years. Patients risk having to wait for organ donation for years to replace failing kidneys, etc.

IN THE FUTURE: Synthetic, 3D printed bone implants function as “scaffolding” based on which body cells build a new bone. 3D organ printers print organs based on human cells.