What is the Impact of Automation and Robotics in Healthcare?

Curious about how automation and robotics are changing the healthcare industry? From robotic surgery assistants to automated medication dispensers, these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising the way we approach healthcare.

Automation and robotics are becoming more advanced in simulating human capabilities but with greater efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The global medical robotic systems market size was valued at USD 21.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% from 2023 to 2030.

Medical service robots dominate the market and account for a revenue share of over 69.3% in 2023. These robots enhance patient care, aid medical staff, and streamline operations. Other areas of growth within this industry include robotic minimally invasive surgeries, motion sensors, robotic catheter control systems, 3D-imaging, data systems and HD surgical microscopic cameras. Prominent players in the market include Renishaw Plc, Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic and Smith & Nephew.

How can automation and robotics technologies impact healthcare?   

• Precision Surgery: One of the most significant applications of robotics in medicine is within surgery, where new systems are enabling surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and control. These systems use advanced imaging and robotic arms in intricate surgical sites, resulting in reduced trauma, faster recovery times, and better clinical outcomes for patients.
• Diagnostic Advancements: Automated laboratory systems can speed up analysis of blood samples and pathology slides, enhancing efficiency in clinical labs. Imaging technologies like MRI and CT scanners use advanced algorithms to produce detailed internal images, aiding in early diagnosis of medical conditions.
• Personalised Treatment: Automation and robotics are driving personalised medicine by customising treatment plans to meet individual patient requirements. There is also the potential for robotic pharmacy systems which can automate medication dispensing and management, and robotic-assisted therapy devices for targeted rehabilitation.
• Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine: Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring initiatives have expanded, enabling healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations and examinations with patients in remote locations. Additionally, automated monitoring devices like wearable sensors and smart home technologies facilitate continuous tracking of vital signs and health metrics.

Whilst there are many benefits of automation and robotics in medicine, they do not come without their challenges, such as patient privacy, data security, and the potential for job displacement.

Robot-assisted procedures are more expensive than other surgeries and require ongoing maintenance, which presents a challenge to market growth. As healthcare automation and technology progress, certain healthcare roles have the potential to become automated, potentially reducing the demand in sectors like healthcare manufacturing, caregiving, pharmaceuticals, and practice management. This could create a possible need for retraining affected workers as new roles evolve.

The integration of automation and robotics holds vast promise for revolutionising patient care, improving clinical outcomes, and advancing medical research. By using innovative technologies, we can explore new possibilities for precision, efficiency, and innovation in medicine, transforming the way we deliver and experience healthcare in the future.

Article by Jim Kelly, Principal Consultant at Wallace Hind. Jim has over 28 years recruitment experience having previously recruited extensively across technology, industrial and commercial sectors. The last 20 of these have been at Wallace Hind, whereby Jim’s specialties include: Life Sciences, Medical, Engineering and Health Care.

Jim recruits technical, sales & marketing, board level, and scientific roles, coupled with numerous other combinations of niche, often rare skill sets! Jim is available for a confidential chat and deliver personalised advice for any of your recruitment requirements.

Contact Jim Kelly on 01604 683316 or JK@wallacehind.com.