Robot Doctor Can [Allegedly] Fix You Anywhere
September 22, 2007 by Lauren
Here's a big one for scientists and problem-solvers across the world: A robotic physician that can do its job just about anywhere; in theory, anyway. Naturally, this is still in the testing and experimentation phases. In fact, they'll even be testing this guy out in space aboard a NASA C-9 aircraft at 34, 000 feet.
During this simulation, one test should include simply making an incision and then stitching it up. Researchers want to examine the precision and speed of human and RC robotic surgeons, under varying conditions. So, the stitch test mentioned above should be one fairly accurate way to measure the differences in human and robotic surgery; soon, we should know if our robot is up to par. From what I've seen in this field, it could very well come out on top in the precision and speed areas. Of course, there are always things a human can judge that a robot can't quite process, which is why I'm not too terribly concerned about the prospect of doctors and surgeons everywhere being replaced by robots someday.
In-flight robotic surgery, such as this, is exciting and has a lot of potential. The overall idea is, this could provide treatment for the wounded when they are out of a real doctor's reach. You'd find such a situation in places that we really need the extra [metal, robotic] hands such as war zones and natural disaster areas, not to mention in space itself, all while running SRI software.
There are plenty of things I'm curious about here, as usual, but I am optimistic about this one. I just wonder what factors affect such mobility like its size, and of course, what should happen if it messes up or can't compute an injury to treat it. This all probably shows how much I don't know about this and robotics in general; I'll admit, how we manage such artificial intelligence is a bit over my head. Nonetheless, I look forward to monitoring the further development of this technology. I just wouldn't want to be the one under the knife in the testing stages.
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