NHS Grampian holds National robotic event aimed at easing pressures on workforce
Published: 23/08/2022 13:59The NHS Grampian Innovation Hub and the National Robotarium are exploring how robotic technology could be used to better carry out activities in NHS Scotland and beyond – with the help of a robotic dog.
Along with potential industry partners, the organisations were joined by representatives from domestic services, catering, nursing and pharmacy services at the north-east health board, at an event today. The services gave examples of where robotic technology could support the organisation to become more efficient and ease workforce pressures.
Also on display during the event was robot dog ‘Spot’, which has been used by the National Robotarium team - a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh - to facilitate automated navigation and 3D mapping of different environments.
Adam Coldwells, director of strategy and deputy chief executive of NHS Grampian, said “We have already seen great strides forward in areas such as a robotic assisted surgery in Grampian and we recognise that there are opportunities in other areas as we look to recover from the impact of the pandemic and improve the health service moving forward in future.
“We hope this event provides industry members with the opportunity to hear directly from frontline NHS staff about the nature of the challenges they encounter and where possible allow for onsite visits to be arranged and networks to be formed.
“Further, we believe this may be an interesting opportunity for companies already working in healthcare but also others applying robotic technology solutions in different industrial areas.”
The event looked at cases where robotics could be implemented - including meal plating and portioning in the kitchens, cleaning at height, changing curtains, patient self-administration of drugs and dispensing controlled drugs on the wards - with the view to explore potential robotic solutions in each area each.
Lisa Farrell, from the Robotarium, said “At the National Robotarium, we’re passionate about developing robotic and autonomous technology to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency in a variety of different settings.
“To have the opportunity to co-host this unique event, and explore how the use of robots and AI can improve the working lives of dedicated staff on the NHS frontline, is really exciting and has the potential to lead to the design and development of new technology and systems that can be of real benefit to healthcare staff and their patients.”