Robots for hospitals pass healthcare tests during trial in Paris
Robots created to help in healthcare environments have been tested successfully by experts.
The Spring (Socially Assistive Robots in Gerontological healthcare) units will be used to assist patients, alleviate their anxiety and relieve pressure on nursing staff as part of a trial conducted in Paris, France, by staff from the UK’S National Robotarium.
Therobotshaveartificialintelligence and are said to be capableofnaturalconversations,can understand patient needs, and assist with routine tasks.
The trials took place in three phases at Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris. The robots greeted patients, answered questions, provided directions, and were able to understand conversations involving multiple people at the same time.
By carrying out simple but repetitive duties, robots also reduced potential physical contact between clinicians and patients as part of the trial, with early feedback suggesting the use of socially assistive robots may lower infection transmissionriskwhileboostingproductivity of nurses and doctors.
Researchers hope the robots will help alleviate patient anxiety, in turn freeing up time for hospital staff.
Professor Annesophie Rigaud, head of department atassistancepublique Hopitaux de Paris, said: “Our patients are increasingly interested in robotics and the evolution of hospital services, whichtheyseeasthelogicalevolution of our society.
“We believe that the ARI robot could in future become an essential element of patient care in hospitals, thanks to its capacity for social interaction and guidance.
“Older adults have also expressed that they're pleased with the design of the robot and thought that it would be useful to provide information and companionshiptopatientswith cognitive disorders.”
The Edinburgh-based National Robotarium is funded through the £1.5 billion Edinburgh and Southeast Scotland City Region Deal. It is supported with £300 million in funding from the Scottish Governmentand£300million fromtheukgovernment. The Robotarium is a partnership between Heriot-watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Oliver Lemon, a professor of AI and academic co-lead at the National Robotarium, said: “Today’s rapid advances in AI aretrulyinspiringandopenupa worldofpossibilitiesforitspositive impact on various sectors, including healthcare.
“One of the most significant contributions of robotics and AI is its ability to conserve resources and alleviate human workload, therefore providingvaluablenewtoolsfor enhancinghealthcaredelivery.” “We believe that the Spring project marks a significant milestone in the development of interactive robotics, and we are proudofitsachievements,while recognising the exciting challenges that lie ahead.”
UK Government minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said: “The early trials into helper robots successfully demonstrates the great potential such advanced technology has to deliver vital support to health staff, improve patient care and prevent the spread of infections and diseases.”
The UK Government has invested £21 million in the National Robotarium.