What are some ways to use robots for more precise medical procedures?

As a general surgeon, I can say that robots help in a more precise procedure in robot assisted surgery by: - Enhancing the capabilities of the surgeon's hands, allowing them to perform complex procedures in hard-to-reach areas through small incisions. - Providing a high-definition, magnified, 3D view of the surgical site, which improves the surgeon's vision and control. - Taking advantage of the extreme mapping of CT scans and MRIs to pinpoint the exact spots to remove, which improves the accuracy and outcomes of the surgery.

Diagnostic robots are a promising technology that can help improve the diagnosis and management of diseases and health conditions. They can offer many benefits, such as increased accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services, as well as improved patient experience and outcomes. However, they also face some challenges, such as technical, ethical, and social issues, that need to be resolved and addressed before they can be fully integrated into the healthcare system. Therefore, diagnostic robots need to be developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, and in collaboration with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders, to ensure their safety, effectiveness, and acceptability.

Rehabilitation robots are pivotal in aiding patients with physical impairments. They offer custom physical therapy and adapt to patient needs, constantly adjusting assistance based on monitored progress. Control engineering plays a key role here, especially with the integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL). For example, RL is used in robotic systems to optimize therapeutic strategies based on patient responses, enhancing the robot’s ability to provide personalized care. This integration of advanced technologies marks a significant advancement in rehabilitation, focusing on patient-centered, adaptive care.

A story of a rehabilitation robot user is **Amanda Boxtel**, who was paralyzed from the waist down after a skiing accident in 1992. She became one of the first users of the ReWalk exoskeleton in 2010, and since then, she has been able to walk again and participate in various activities, such as hiking, dancing, and speaking at events. She also founded the Bridging Bionics Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides access to rehabilitation robots and other technologies for people with mobility impairments.