We have had them for about 10 years I guess... No big deal.

Our local hospital where I live has a few of them that drop off meds and stuff. You can get into the elevator with them, but you have to stay a few feet away or the sensor on them will tell you to move. I remember a couple of us had gotten on the elevator and was waiting for the door to close when it came up and got in, but it was funny because the elevator was just about pack and it squeezed in there and ran a few feet over. I think there cool. Great Idea for them to put such a thing into the hospital to help with errands and all.

The unions must not be too happy with these.  They organize all the workers in a hospital incluing nurses. It would beinteresting to know if this is occuringin unionized hospitals or not.  How much do these robots cost and is it more cost effective than a human, I imagine so over the long run.  Can replacing pharmacy techs etc be too far behind? We are on the road to as in the movie COMA.  If you haven't ever seen it it is worth a look.  Also I saw a great movie on healthcare made in the 80's but oh sotopical now.  It is a black comedy called Critical Care.  You'll love it if you are a nurse.

we had two... one disappeared

it was found 11  months later locked in a small storage area

with a sign taped to it that read...

"this is what you get when you piss off the boss"

 It is really good thing but we should keep in mind that robots are not the substitute of the nurses.

We should not discourage the nurses in  ths way.

I haven't seen any robots in my neck of the woods, but they're probably coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just can't help thinking of The Terminator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rather nasty way to "lay-off" staff --- using the Terminator (he does need work now that he isn't the Govenor of California any longer).

Robots in the hospital support the nursing staff. They perform all works like dispensing medication, making deliveries and visiting patients etc. Robots are in some way helping the doctors to reach patients. They handle the nursing activities and support staff shortages wherever necessary.

Robots transport materials like food, x-rays, and linens throughout the hospital. The robots are fully mobile, with computer screens for heads and real-time video cameras for eyes and ears. Doctors operate them using a joystick and wireless technology. Another advantage to these robots is saving staff from cross-infection.

Olivia,

A question for you.  How would the robot prevent cross-contamination? 

I know that you said among staff, but where the patient is the focus, lets look at that.

If a robot is wandering throughtout the hospital, having interaction with multiple doctors, nurses, techs and patients; What keeps the robot from being a more mobile, more germ-infested, fomite-carrying vector than a human?

I am not trying to slam you.  I just am wandering if there is some kind of sanitation procedure or something for the robots that would make them better for that. 

The other stuff would be time-saving.  Just like, I don't like preparing IV NSS (Normal Saline Solution) bottles (glass) anymore, having to autoclave surgical packs or sharpening my own scalpal and needles (yes, we still did that in areas 35 years ago :-)  .  Most of those skills today would only be used in the Third World or if society, as we know it, collapses.

Thank you for you insights.

Tom

alphamale says ...

as long as these are followed..I am OK with robots.....

First Law:

A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Second Law:

A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

Third Law:

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

 

But just in case.. I do usually carry a gun.

 

A robot may not injure a human being ? does the robot have AI ?