Communications of the ACM
New Zealand Streamlines E-Health With Robotics Technology
Researchers are exploring the use of robotic technologies to manage healthcare for individuals at home, and to reduce pressures on the medical system.
Credit:gajitz
New Zealand's Gore Hospital and University of Auckland researchers are developing robotics technology to streamline healthcare for home-bound patients and the elderly in remote areas.
"We're exploring robotics technology to manage healthcare, and reduce pressures on our medical system," says Gore Hospital CEO Karl Metzler.
The healthcare robotics systems and software are being piloted for primary, community, and aged care. "We want to understand where robots can best provide improved health outcomes, especially for long-term chronic care patients," Metzler says.
The system will help manage medication, monitor vital signs, and relay emergency text alerts to healthcare providers and family members. Robots are outfitted with voice-recognition technology, and provide patients with reminders to take their medication.
The researchers note that one benefit is being able to bridge communication between families and caregivers. In addition, robots moving about a room offer degrees of companionship by proxy. "Robots are being designed with the idea of extending independent living," Metzler notes.
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