Robots, AI, and autonomous systems are increasingly used in hospitals around the world. They support a variety of tasks, from surgical procedures and recording of vital signs to security support.
Such "medical robots" have been shown to help improve operational accuracy and reduce human error in drug delivery via automated systems. Use in nursing homes has also been shown that help reduces loneliness.
Many people will be familiar with the smile of the Japanese robot (announced in 2014 as the world's first robot that can read emotions). "Emotional" robot companions are now widespread. However, despite obvious technical and emotional benefits, research clearly shows that the majority are opposed to giving robots and machines important and potentially life-saving tasks.
For clarity, I'm not saying that robots should replace human doctors and nurses. Finally, a frightened and sick person will not forget the experience of someone holding hands, explaining complex problems, empathizing, and listening to concerns. However, I think robots will play an important role in coping with future medical and pandemic opportunities.
So it's my job to understand why some people hesitate to trust medical robots. In my research, I am investigating the application of robot intelligence. In particular, I am interested in how design elements such as robot facial expressions and face and chest screens can contribute to the construction of medical robots that humans can trust. Studies before have shown that our facial expressions can affect a person's credibility. 74 people around the world if they would trust robot doctors in their daily lives, only 31% of the participants answered "yes". People were also reluctant to see robots take on other high-risk jobs like police officers and pilots.
Why are robots important in healthcare?
Medical robots help healthcare professionals by freeing them from routine tasks that take longer to do more urgent tasks and making medical procedures safer and cheaper for patients. Accurate work is possible even in narrow spaces, and dangerous goods can be transported. Robots in the medical field are changing the way surgery is performed, streamlining the delivery and disinfection of consumables, and enabling healthcare providers to connect with patients. Intel offers a diverse portfolio of technologies for developing healthcare robots, including surgical assistants, modular, services, social, mobile, and autonomous robots.
Facial Expressions
To know how to make a robot that creates reliability, I started researching various facial expressions, designs, and modifications of the Canbot U03 robot. Chosen for its non-intimidating appearance, this robot is only 40 cm tall. As a member of the Cambot family, he is touted as a "sweet companion and compassionate partner" for "24 hours of unconditional dating and housekeeping."
After finding the robot, I decided to include psychological studies suggesting that facial expressions can help determine reliability. A smile shows a credible personality, and an angry expression is associated with dishonesty. With this in mind, I began to study robot facial expressions and how manipulating these functions could enhance human-robot interactions.
Many people will be familiar with the smiles of Japanese chili robots (announced in 2014 as the world's first robot that can read emotions). In fact, "emotional" robot companions are now widespread. However, despite obvious technical and emotional benefits, research clearly shows that the majority refuse to entrust robots and machines with important and potentially life-saving tasks.
Robotics Benefits in Healthcare Robotics in
Healthcare enables a high level of patient care, efficient processes in a clinical environment, and a safe environment for patients and healthcare professionals.
High-Quality Patient Care
Medical robots support minimally invasive surgery, individualized and frequent monitoring of patients with chronic illness, intelligent treatment, and social inclusion of older patients. In addition, the robot reduces workload and allows nurses and other caregivers to provide more empathy and human interaction to patients. This can promote long-term well-being.
Operation efficiency
Service robots streamline day-to-day operations, reduce the physical burden on human workers and provide a more consistent process. These robots can track inventory and orders promptly to ensure that consumables, equipment, and medicines are where they are needed. A mobile cleaning and disinfection robot can be used to quickly disinfect the room and prepare for patient consultation.
Safe Working Environment
Service robots help keep medical staff safe by transporting supplies and bedding in hospitals at risk of being exposed to pathogens. Cleaning and disinfecting robots help reduce nosocomial infections (HAIs) while limiting exposure to pathogens. Hundreds of medical institutions are already using pathogens. It reduces the physical burden on medical staff when moving beds and patients.
Therefore, the combination of facial expressions and what is displayed on the screen is important. Serious medical messages require a serious or gentle "face" to deliver a serious message. However, overall communication with the patient may require a more empathetic or cheerful attitude. Robotics in medicine continues to evolve with advances in machine learning, data analysis, computer vision, and other technologies. Robots of all kinds evolve to complete tasks autonomously, efficiently, and accurately.
Author: Diva Maharani | Illustrator: Akbar Nugroho
