Bomb-disposal robots now patrolling hospitals
iRobot now applying its skills in autonomous control to medicine
- By Defense Systems Staff
- Jul 25, 2012
Best known for its bomb-disposal robots using in Afghanistan
and elsewhere, iRobot has introduced a mobile robot system for hospital use.
Call the Remote Presence Virtual + Independent Telemedicine Assistant, the
robot can travel hospital corridors autonomously, avoiding objects and people,
and can operate within the cloud, connecting electronically to a patient’s
electronic medical record.
The robot can also connect to
diagnostic devices such as electronic stethoscopes and ultrasound units, and
can be operated via an Apple iPad.
The Food and Drug Administration is
undergoing validation testing, with several hospitals putting the robot through
its paces. InTouch Health is a partner with iRobot on the program.