Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a groundbreaking robotics technology that enables remote medical treatment for casualties in high-risk emergency situations. The technology utilizes a robotic vehicle, an uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV), with virtual reality (VR) capabilities, allowing doctors to conduct critical medical triage without risking their lives.
The first-of-its-kind technology, named medical telexistence (MediTel), has the potential to save lives in dangerous environments such as humanitarian disasters and war zones. The collaborative effort involved researchers from the University's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Sheffield Robotics, and the Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering.
The fully integrated MediTel solution, developed within nine months, features two robotic arms that can remotely operate medical tools, conducting essential assessments of casualties within 20 minutes. This includes checking temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, performing abdominal palpation, and administering pain relief through an auto-injector. Real-time data is streamed to the remote operator, ensuring they have access to crucial information.
The telexistence technology not only removes end-users from hazardous environments but also allows for the rapid deployment of medical specialists when needed. This opens up new possibilities for safe and effective medical interventions in high-risk situations.
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/new-robot-medics-go-where-doctors-cant-developed-university-sheffield-scientists
