Demand for mobile robotics and their use in hospitals and nursing homes has increased. This demand has grown due to changes in demographic trends and long-term medical cost control.
Within nursing homes, these automated systems are created specifically for managing and controlling laboratory samples, large volume material, pharmacy medicines, central food supply, and the movement of prepared food, dirty serving dishes, bed linen, waste (recyclable, biological), biomedical instruments, etc.
Operating efficiencies can be gained by automating these supply processes, which allows the assignment of helpful human resources to other areas or activities so they can focus essentially on healthcare for their patients.
AGV implementation within a ward of a healthcare facility can be integrated into the following:
- Food transit to the in-patient rooms: This process represents the preparation of food, the transportation of the prepared food for delivery, to the food transportation performed by AGVs from the kitchen. As each meal is classified according to in-patient requirements, the classification and delivery of meals to patients by AGVs to each patient individual room. The rooms have intended areas for precise holding and unloading of provisions from AGVs.
- Waste transportation: Waste consumption is transported from well-marked locations and areas from all serviced wards. The waste is collected from these designated points in special receptacles. The AGVs will then move the waste to the temporary waste storage area and then to the basement floor for pickup.
Since many healthcare nursing homes are deterred, especially by the high procurement costs of this technology, healthcare managers must recognize that the goal of the new, modern technology is to help healthcare professionals work more efficiently and enhance the quality of healthcare services.
