Industrial Robot the international journal of robotics research and application · 2011 · 105 citations · 0 references
ManagementHealth Care ManagementOperations ManagementHospital AdministrationLogistics ManagementMobile RoboticsHuman-robot Interaction In HealthcareRobotics In ManufacturingHospital Service RobotsRobotics In HospitalityUser Interviews
Hospitals are early adopters of mobile robotics, using established systems to address logistical challenges without pioneering new technology. The study demonstrates how mobile robots address diverse hospital logistical needs. The authors conducted in‑depth interviews with developers of the Aethon hospital mobile robot logistics system. Robotics significantly enhance hospital logistics—transporting food, lab samples, prescriptions, and even providing entertainment—offering administrators timely, cost‑effective solutions.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how mobile robots are addressing a variety of hospital logistic needs. Design/methodology/approach The paper includes in‐depth interviews with developers of the Aethon hospital mobile robot logistics system. Findings Robotics can greatly improve hospital logistic services such as moving food, lab samples, prescriptions and even add a bit of entertainment in the process. Practical implications Hospital administrators have new answers to the old challenges of moving items in a timely and cost‐effective manner around their facility. Originality/value Hospitals are first implementers of mobile robotics to look for answers to their logistic problems. They do not have to break new ground for themselves.