Applications of Healthcare Robots in Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Healthcare Technology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for infection control measures.
• Close human interactions and contaminated surfaces facilitate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
• Social distancing became critical, necessitating reduced doctor-patient contact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global implementation of robots in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To highlight the emerging role of robotic applications in clinical and allied sectors.
• To assess the impact of robots on controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of worldwide robotic implementations during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted.
• Literature search focused on robots used to attenuate and contain the virus.
• Data synthesis on the effectiveness and advantages of robotic applications was performed.

Main Results:

• Robotics implementation in healthcare significantly controls SARS-CoV-2 spread.
• Robots effectively block virus propagation between patients and healthcare workers.
• Robots offer additional benefits, including disinfection and cleaning capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Robotic technology is crucial for mitigating infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
• Integrating robots into healthcare enhances safety for medical personnel.
• Robots can partially assume medical roles, optimizing healthcare resource allocation.