Your Doctor Might be a Robot
Your Doctor Might Be a Robot: From Science-Fiction to Reality: The Use of Robotics in Modern Healthcare
Medical care has always relied on tools. What is changing is how closely those tools begin to participate in the act of care itself.Overview
This invited presentation for a retirement community explored how artificial intelligence and robotics are already shaping contemporary healthcare in ways many patients will encounter directly.The discussion began with familiar points of reference, introducing systems such as Paro, a therapeutic companion robot used in elder care, and Lio, a personal care robot designed to assist with daily activities. These examples grounded the conversation in recognizable forms of support, allowing the audience to see how robots can participate in routines that are already part of everyday life.
From there, the presentation expanded to include robotic systems used in clinical and rehabilitative settings. The Da Vinci surgical platform, the ReWalk exoskeleton, and the DEKA Arm illustrate how robotics can extend precision, restore mobility, and support independence. These systems do not sit outside the body or the care process. They become part of how care is delivered and experienced.
As the conversation moved forward, attention shifted toward emerging developments in AI-driven healthcare environments. The possibility of systems that monitor, interpret, and respond to patient data in real time raises new questions about decision-making, responsibility, and trust. These systems promise efficiency and insight, but they also operate within spaces that are deeply personal.
Throughout the presentation, the goal was not to resolve these questions, but to make them visible. The audience engaged with both the possibilities and the uncertainties, considering how care may be reshaped as intelligent systems become more present in medical contexts.
Event
Wolf Creek, Creekside Retirement Monthly Speaker SeriesAugust 7, 2024
Holland, Ohio
Invited Speaker