The Rise of Robotic Technology in Healthcare
Robots are increasingly becoming integral to healthcare, enhancing the quality of patient care by improving the speed and accuracy of disease diagnosis. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are enabling robots to perform delicate surgeries and engage with patients more effectively than ever before. However, the quest to develop robots capable of conducting comprehensive clinical examinations remains a challenge.
Innovations in Robotic Diagnostics
The University of Science and Technology of China is pioneering a project to create a tactile robotic finger designed for medical consultations. This innovative 'soft robot' mimics human touch to detect tumors and perform routine examinations, such as measuring pulse rates, without causing pain or damage to tissues. The robotic finger measures 12.9 cm in length and consists of seven inflatable silicone chambers, allowing it to bend and adapt to the contours of the human body.
How the Robotic Finger Works
The technology behind the robotic finger involves a combination of silicone chambers and liquid metal fibers. An electric current is applied to these fibers, creating a magnetic field that helps gauge the pressure and resistance at the fingertip. This information is crucial for assessing the hardness of masses being examined, potentially indicating the presence of tumors. In preliminary tests, the robotic finger successfully identified tumor-like areas and measured pulses by locating veins in the forearm, suggesting a promising future for AI-assisted diagnostics under medical supervision.
