From science-fiction to powerful medical tool: Robots perform an increasing number of valuable tasks in healthcare settings. From surgical robotics to applications in patient care – medical robots are here to stay. Keep reading for latest developments and exciting new areas of deployment for this technology.
What have been the latest developments in digital R&D and lab automation, patient-centric design, digitalised manufacturing and supply chains? Highlighting the rise of a smart pharma, AUTOMA+ 2025 took place in Vösendorf, Austria on 24-25 November. The event was a dynamic interplay of technology, solutions and forward-thinking ideas.
Researchers developed an algorithm for personalizing robotic prosthetic devices to optimize the movement of the prosthetic limb and also help a user’s body engage in a more natural walking pattern.
Rehabilitation specialist Fourier Rehab presented its portfolio of robotic systems at MEDICA. The solutions ranged from exoskeletons to cycling-based therapy devices and platforms for data management.
University of Delaware researchers use robotic testing to spot an often overlooked sensory deficit in stroke survivors – proprioception, the body's ability to sense movement and position.
NaoTrac is a fully autonomous surgical navigation robot designed to enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in neurosurgery. By integrating advanced technologies with the expertise of surgeons, NaoTrac streamlines surgical workflows, shortens the learning curve, and improves patient outcomes.
As the shortage of care workers grows, robots could help maintain the quality of home-care services. However, a new study finds that acceptance of robot helpers hinges on several key factors.
An ultrasound examination performed by a robot can cause distress in some patients. Munich researchers have now developed a VR avatar system that makes the process feel more human.
Microrobots formed in droplets could enable precision-targeted drug delivery, improving on IV drug delivery that sends only 0.7% of the drug to the target tissue, according to a recent study.
A potentially transformative advancement in surgical robotics: A robot trained on videos of surgeries successfully performed a lengthy phase of a gallbladder removal without human help.
The Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress (AUTOMA+) 2025 welcomes delegates to be a part of its 5th anniversary in Vösendorf, Austria on 24-25 November. This edition focuses on AI-powered pharma, robotics and smart digital solutions.
The use of surgical robots offers a wide range of possibilities, but in Europe the technology is often unable to reach its full potential. Dr. med. Christoph Wandhöfer explains why.
Personalised, responsive assistance for patients with dyspraxia: Assistive robots could help patients with motor coordination conditions by detecting and predicting intent, effort and fatigue.
Engineers developed a robotic probe that can generate high-resolution 3D ultrasound images from deep inside the gastrointestinal tract. The robot reaches its target with a unique kind of movement.
A new system that seamlessly integrates an implanted spinal cord neuroprosthesis with rehabilitation robotics delivers well-timed electrical pulses to enhance mobility and foster long-term recovery.
To suppress tremors, such as those from Parkinson's disease, scientists equipped a biorobotic arm with artificial muscles, which compensate for the back-and-forth movement of the tremor.
Less than a millimetre: the world's smallest biomedical robot is designed for imaging, sampling, drug delivery, and laser ablation. The developers highlight potential new clinical applications.
A new study on the future of work in nursing homes finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and staff retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care.
Imitation learning could open a new frontier in medical robotics: Researchers 'taught' a robot to mimic a surgical procedure by watching the surgeons' performance.
Scientists have developed a novel method for deploying several magnetic miniature robots which can easily navigate through a 3D matrix resembling a network of blood vessels.
