Ep 13. Hospital Robot

Innovation Nation Season 6 Episode 13, titled "Hospital Robot," explores the use of robots in healthcare to improve patient outcomes and enhance the work of medical professionals.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to a new type of robot called the Moxi. Developed by a Texas-based company, Diligent Robotics, the Moxi is designed to help healthcare workers with routine tasks such as fetching and delivering items, cleaning equipment, and restocking supplies. The Moxi is equipped with a high-resolution screen and cameras that allow it to see and interpret its surroundings, making it able to navigate efficiently around the hospital.

The next segment features a robot designed for physical therapy. Created by a company in Massachusetts called BioRobotics, the robotic exoskeleton is intended to help patients with mobility impairments due to stroke or spinal cord injuries. The exoskeleton is worn over the patient's arms and legs and works by gently moving the patient's limbs through a range of motions to help build strength and movement control. The device is equipped with sensors and motors that allow it to adjust to the patient's unique needs and progress.

The episode also explores how robots are being used to support telemedicine. Two companies, one in Israel and one in California, are developing robots that allow doctors and nurses to remotely monitor patients. The robots are equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors that allow them to capture and transmit vital signs and other medical information in real-time. Some of these robots can also interact directly with patients, helping to provide care even in situations where medical professionals cannot be present in person.

In addition to robots that work in hospitals, the episode also features a segment on a robot designed to assist individuals with disfigurements. The robotic face, created by a team of engineers and psychologists in Switzerland, uses an advanced algorithm to make facial expressions that mimic those of a real human face. The face is controlled through a helmet that measures the user's brain activity. The team hopes that the technology may eventually be used to provide more intuitive methods of communication for individuals with disfigurements or who are unable to speak.

The final segment of the episode highlights how robots are being used in the lab to advance medical research. A team of researchers in Japan has developed a robot that can grow human tissue. The robot is equipped with a special culture dish that allows cells to grow and divide, creating various types of tissue. The robot is also able to analyze the tissue, providing valuable insights into the developing structure and function of different organs.

Throughout the episode, Innovation Nation showcases the incredible potential of robots in healthcare. From assisting medical professionals with routine tasks to providing direct care to patients, these machines are transforming the way we think about healthcare and advancing medical research in unprecedented ways. By embracing innovation and harnessing the power of technology, the medical community may be well on its way to a new era of healthcare that is both more efficient and more effective than ever before.