FDA approves first medical robot

The Food and Drug Administration just approved the first medical robot that is free-moving for use in hospitals. The robot, called RP-VITA, was created by InTouch Health and iRobot and includes the ability of autonomous navigation and health record integration. Using an iPad interface, doctors can communicate beside with patients while having all of the patients medical records at their fingertips, allowing them to make accurate and rapid decisions regarding their health. The robot uses sensing technology to map out its environment before deciding where to move, so that it is never in the way of other people. This is considered a giant step in robotics to have the software cleared by the FDA for movement through a fast-paced and crowded landscape such as a hospital.

This article was particularly interesting to me because of the practical uses by doctors. To be able to order tests and diagnose patients from outside the hospital is a great leap for the quality of life of many doctors. I think I would personally would enjoy being a hospital doctor, but the sleep deprivation and hours required by many hospital physicians drags me away from such a profession. This new device may remedy some of the issues associated with that life style.