Use Of Robotic Technology Research Articles

"We're Still Struggling a Bit to Actually Figure Out What That Means for Government": An Exploration of the Policy Capacity Required to Oversee Robot Technologies in Australia and New Zealand Care Services.

Many countries are experiencing a “care crisis” driven by increasing demand for care services alongside difficulties in recruiting and retaining an appropriate care workforce. One of the solutions offered to this is the use of robotic technologies. While there are several positives produced by robots, they are not without challenges and have the potential to be misused. History shows disruptive technologies require appropriate policy capacity for these to be effectively stewarded so that we can secure the positive gains of these without encountering potential harms. In this paper, we explore the types of policy capacity needed to oversee robotic technologies. Drawing on interviews with 35 key stakeholders involved with the implementation of robots in Australian and New Zealand care services, we identify the capabilities required at the individual, organisational, and systemic levels across the analytical, operational, and political domains. We found the respondents perceived a lack of policy capacity to oversee robotics in the government. However, these gaps are less in respect to technological skills and abilities and more in respect to the system’s impacts and effects of these technologies. We conclude by outlining a summary of the capabilities required to oversee robots in complex care systems.

Does the use of robotic technology in hip arthroplasty provide superior clinical outcomes?

Joint Diseases and Related Surgery (JDRS), the official journal of the Turkish Joint Diseases Foundation, is an international, peer-reviewed, immediate open access journal. All published articles in JDRS has been free for everyone, without embargo, since 1990.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Is Associated with Superior Survival Compared to Open Surgery.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has not been associated with a long-term survival advantage compared to open esophagectomy (OE). We investigated survival differences between MIE, including laparoscopic and robotic, and OE. Patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2010 to 2014 with T1-4N0-3M0, adenocarcinoma or squamous cell histology, in middle or lower esophagus were queried from the National Cancer Database and stratified into groups based on their surgical procedure: robotic, laparoscopic, or OE. Propensity matching (1:1) was done between robotic and laparoscopic to produce an MIE group. The MIE group was matched to OE yielding a 1:1:2 matching of robotic:laparoscopic:OE. Postoperative outcomes and survival (Kaplan-Meier) were compared between groups. Prior to matching, 7,163 patients met inclusion criteria and a greater portion underwent OE (67.7%) than MIE (laparoscopic 24.9% and robotic 7.4%). Matching yielded similar groups (robotic = 527, laparoscopic = 527, and OE =1054). Compared to OE, MIE patients had a significantly greater number of nodes sampled and trended toward increased R0 resections (96.1% vs 94.3%, P = .053). OE was associated with a longer median postoperative stay (10 vs 9 days, P = .001). Mortality at 30 and 90 days was similar. However, postoperative survival for MIE was significantly greater than OE (P < .001). No survival difference existed between robotic and laparoscopic (P = .723). MIE is associated with increased number of nodes examined and a shorter postoperative length of stay. After propensity matching, patients undergoing MIE had better long but not short-term survival than OE. This benefit seems to be independent of the use of robotic technology.

Readiness of academic librarians towards the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to investigate readiness of academic librarians toward the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries. The article provides further insights on the following areas: •What are the levels of readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards robotic technologies in terms of digital infrastructure, policy framework and human development for the adoption and use of robotics in the libraries? •What services are available in the university libraries that can be handled by robotic technologies? •Are academic librarians aware of the potential benefits of robotics in library operations? •What are the potential challenges that university libraries may face in the adoption and use of robotic technologies?Design/methodology/approachThe study is a survey research anchored on positivism paradigm. The questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Furthermore, 100 academic librarians were selected from the ten purposively selected ten universities. Snowballing sample technique was used to select ten academic librarians from each of the university libraries.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards the adoption and use of robotic technologies in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. It indicates that university libraries in the country are not ready to adopt the use of this technology despite the high benefits they have to offer in library operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study lay on the fact that very few librarians from each of the selected university libraries were selected; and at the same time, it covers only ten university libraries in the country.Originality/valueThe study is very important to university library management on the necessary steps that need to be taken for the effective adoption of robotic technologies. This research can be a guide to them. In addition, the empirical analysis of the study contributes to social informatics development in Nigeria.

Introduction: Occupational Hazards to the Joint Replacement Surgeon

Introduction: Occupational Hazards to the Joint Replacement Surgeon

Surgical Complications and Hospital Costs in Robot-Assisted Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Concurrent Sacrocolpopexy: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Despite increasing use of robotic technology for minimally invasive hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy, evidence supporting the benefits of these costly procedures remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare differences in perioperative complications, 30-day readmissions, and costs between robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy with concurrent sacrocolpopexy using a large national database. Using the 2009-2015 Nationwide Readmissions Database and procedure codes, we identified patients who underwent a robot-assisted or conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy. We measured in-hospital perioperative complications using diagnosis and procedure codes and measured 30-day readmissions based on patient linkages across hospitalizations. Hospital costs were estimated using charges and cost-to-charge ratios. These outcomes were compared between robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic procedures using bivariate and multivariable regression analysis. Our weighted sample included a total of 7,675 patients. Major perioperative complications occurred in 6.7% of robot-assisted and 11.2% of conventional laparoscopic procedures (unadjusted P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.93; P = 0.02). Hospital costs were higher in robot-assisted than in conventional laparoscopic procedures (respective median costs, $16,367 vs $13,898; P < 0.001), with an adjusted cost ratio of 1.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.31; P < 0.001). The risk of 30-day readmission was similar between robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic procedures. Nationally representative data suggest that, in laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy, the robot-assisted approach is associated with a lower risk of perioperative complications, despite higher costs, compared with the conventional one. The risk of 30-day readmission was similar between the robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic approaches.

A Systematic Review of Research on Robot-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism

Recent studies have shown that children with autism may be interested in playing with an interactive robot. Moreover, the robot can engage these children in ways that demonstrate essential aspects of human interaction, guiding them in therapeutic sessions to practice more complex forms of interaction found in social human-to-human interactions. We review published articles on robot-assisted autism therapy (RAAT) to understand the trends in research on this type of therapy for children with autism and to provide practitioners and researchers with insights and possible future directions in the field. Specifically, we analyze 38 articles, all of which are refereed journal articles, that were indexed on Web of Science from 2009 onward, and discuss the distribution of the articles by publication year, article type, database and journal, research field, robot type, participant age range, and target behaviors. Overall, the results show considerable growth in the number of journal publications on RAAT, reflecting increased interest in the use of robot technology in autism therapy as a salient and legitimate research area. Factors, such as new advances in artificial intelligence techniques and machine learning, have spurred this growth.

Development and Clinical Validation of a Rehabilitation Platform for Hip Fracture in Elderly Population

Hip fracture is one of the most common traumatisms associated with falls in the elderly, severely affecting the patient's mobility and independence. In recent years, the use of robotic technology has proven to be effective in gait rehabilitation, especially for neurological disorders. However, there is a lack of research validating these devices for hip fracture in elderly patients. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a novel assistive platform for hip rehabilitation, SWalker, aimed at improving the rehabilitation of this condition. Functional validation of the SWalker platform was carried out with five healthy elderly subjects and two physiotherapists. Clinical validation was conducted with 34 patients with hip fracture. The control group ( [Formula: see text], age = 86.38±6.16 years, 75% female) followed conventional therapy, while the intervention group ( [Formula: see text], age = 86.80±6.32 years, 90% female) was rehabilitated using SWalker. The functional validation of the device reported good acceptability (System Usability Scale >85). In the clinical validation, the control group required 68.09±27.38 rehabilitation sessions compared to 22.60±16.75 in the intervention group ( [Formula: see text]). Patients in the control group needed 120.33±53.64 days to reach ambulation, while patients rehabilitated with SWalker achieved that stage in 67.11±51.07 days ( [Formula: see text]). FAC and Tinetti indexes presented a larger improvement in the intervention group when compared with the control group ( [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). The SWalker platform can be considered an effective tool to enhance autonomous gait and shorten rehabilitation therapy in elderly hip fracture patients. This result encourages further research on robotic rehabilitation platforms for hip fracture.

Assistive Healthcare Robotics – Challenges in Nursing Service Innovation: Critical Review

Healthcare robots assist older people and caregivers. Many scientists and researchers have been looking at the use of robotic technology to help not only elderly people but also their care providers. Through a review of the literature and an in-depth study of published papers, we include a timely overview of care robotics. In this study, we review what we know about the use of assistive robots in the elderly care context, their benefits and potential challenges. These humanoid resources offer a range of physical, cognitive, and social tasks in the aim of improving health outcomes. Service Science calls for understanding complex service systems, our Sociotechnical system (STS) lens applied to the use of robotics in the nursing function aims at learning the underlying trajectories of socio-technical dynamics within the nursing service system and the complexity introduced by their humanoid counterpart. This presents a significant contribution to Service Science. In essence, the research introduces the STS lens to understand the interaction between human and machine in the nursing ecosystem, while proposing learnings on a better design in practice. We focus on the current and potential future challenges of healthcare robotics as well as how such technology can help healthy aging, healthcare staff, especially nurses, and our healthcare system as a whole. We conclude that, despite the potential advantages, the adoption of care robots is still shy. Using the lens of the sociotechnical perspective and concepts of service innovation roadmaps, we pave the way for identifying factors of adoption that may influence the proliferation of care robots.

Quantifying neurological function in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a routine procedure that is often performed on older adults that are high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients after TAVI may experience neurological complications. However, there is a lack of objective neurological testing available for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This brief communication seeks to explore the use of robotic technology to quantify distinctive patterns of visuospatial, sensorimotor, and cognitive functioning in patients undergoing TAVI. Patients undergoing TAVI were recruited for this prospective observational study. Prior to their procedure, study participants performed four robotic reaching tasks using the Kinarm robotic system. Patients repeated the assessment three months after their TAVI procedure. Significant changes in overall task score and parameters were determined. Ten patients were recruited and included in this brief report. In a simple reaching task, patients show significant improvement in performance post-TAVI. However, patients do not improve nor worsen in a complex reaching task after TAVI. Similarly, patients demonstrate impairments in both trail making tasks before and after their TAVI procedure. This study captures the variability in neurological functioning in older patients undergoing TAVI. Robotic technology and quantified assessment procedures can be extremely valuable for detecting perioperative neurological impairments in this patient population.

Application of robotic technologies in lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy: A systematic review

BACKGROUNDConventional optical colonoscopy is considered the gold standard investigation for colorectal tract pathology including colorectal malignancy, polyps and inflammatory bowel disease. Inherent limitations exist with current generation endoscopic technologies, including, but not limited to, patient discomfort, endoscopist fatigue, narrow field of view and missed pathology behind colonic folds. Rapid developments in medical robotics have led to the emergence of a variety of next-generation robotically-augmented technologies that could overcome these limitations.AIMTo provide a comprehensive summary of recent developments in the application of robotics in lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy.METHODSA systematic review of the literature was performed from January 1, 2000 to the January 7, 2021 using EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Studies reporting data on the use of robotic technology in ex vivo or in vivo animal and human experiments were included. In vitro studies (studies using synthetic colon models), studies evaluating non-robotic technology, robotic technology aimed at the upper gastrointestinal tract or paediatric endoscopy were excluded. System ergonomics, safety, visualisation, and diagnostic/therapeutic capabilities were assessed.RESULTSInitial literature searching identified 814 potentially eligible studies, from which 37 were deemed suitable for inclusion. Included studies were classified according to the actuation modality of the robotic device(s) as electromechanical (EM) (n = 13), pneumatic (n = 11), hydraulic (n = 1), magnetic (n = 10) and hybrid (n = 2) mechanisms. Five devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, however most of the technologies reviewed remain in the early phases of testing and development. Level 1 evidence is lacking at present, but early reports suggest that these technologies may be associated with improved pain and safety. The reviewed devices appear to be ergonomically capable and efficient though to date no reports have convincingly shown diagnostic or therapeutic superiority over conventional colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONSignificant progress in robotic colonoscopy has been made over the last couple of decades. Improvements in design together with the integration of semi-autonomous and autonomous systems over the next decade will potentially result in robotic colonoscopy becoming more commonplace.

Individualized Functional Knee Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Robotic-assisted Technique

Introduction: The use of robotic technology is becoming a well-recognized alternative to conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The quantitative soft tissue information generated in robotic surgery can be used to balance the knee and achieve functional alignment (FA) of the components. This paper describes a novel FA technique using an individualized preoperative plan that is then adjusted to achieve soft tissue balance. Materials and Methods: We report on surgical technique, indications, considerations, and complications after our experience of performing 650 functionally aligned TKAs. We collected 2-year patient reported outcomes on 165 TKAs in this series (165 of 193 TKAs have reached 2 years follow-up in the series of 650 TKAs; 85% follow-up rate). Results: We found significant postoperative improvements with few infections and no revisions for mechanical reasons 2 years after surgery with this technique. Patients had improved knee range-of-motion (105 degrees° flexion preoperatively vs. 125 degrees flexion postoperatively; P&lt;0.001), higher Forgotten Joint Scores (17 preoperatively vs. 77 postoperatively; P&lt;0.001), improved Oxford Knee Scores (22 preoperatively vs. 43 postoperatively; P&lt;0.001), higher KOOS Jr scores (48 preoperatively vs. 88 postoperatively; P&lt;0.001) and lower visual analogue score pain scores (70 preoperatively vs. 12 postoperatively; P&lt;0.001) 2 years postoperatively. Discussion: The described surgical technique is a promising method for conducting a robotic TKA. Benefits of FA include improved efficiency with preresection balancing, reduced soft tissue releases compared with a mechanical alignment technique, and accurate bony cuts with robotic assistance. Further studies are required to compare this technique with established methods to determine any differences in outcomes.

Uniform hydro blasting for ship hull maintenance: A multi-objective optimization framework

The ship hull’s hydro-blasting is a significant part of maintenance in the maritime industry. It absorbs considerable workforce, money, and time which can be reduced through the use of robotic technologies. A hydro-blasting robot should be performing this task uniformly with minimum time and energy. The conventional optimization techniques may not fit the hydro-blasting robots as the robot’s blasting angle influences uniformity, whereas the nozzle’s sweeping speed affects time and energy. Therefore, in this paper, a novel multi-objective optimization framework is proposed to ensure uniformity in hydro-blasting along with the consumption of minimum time and energy. The NSGA II algorithm is used to compute the optimal blasting angle, which is utilized further to obtain the robot’s optimal sweep angle. Multiple numerical simulations are performed, and the results are validated on a hydro-blasting robot Hornbill, to justify the proposed approach’s effectiveness.

Artificial intelligence in the service of man: medical, social and economic aspects

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technologies have recently been increasingly used in various areas of human activity. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to consider the medical, social and economic aspects of the use of artificial intelligence in various spheres of human activity. The reason for people turning to the above-mentioned innovations is to expand a number of human capabilities, increase labor productivity, reduce the negative impact of the human factor, etc. The social aspect of the use of robotic technologies should also not be underestimated. The economic aspects of the use of artificial intelligence and robotic technologies are the possibility of optimizing the number of labor resources, replacing a whole staff of auxiliary workers, which can significantly reduce the salary fund in general and the costs of a company using such technologies, in particular.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ БЕЗЛЮДНЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ОТКРЫТЫХ ГОРНЫХ РАБОТАХ

On the example of JSC SUEK, the expediency of using robotic technologies at open-pit mining enterprises in Russia is considered. The analysis of industrial safety, socio-economic factors and economic feasibility suggests the need for the use of robotic technologies in mining enterprises. The ideology and practical steps of digital transformation in mining were formed in stages. Positively influencing the efficiency of work and the level of industrial safety of mining enterprises, the processes of digital transformation at mining enterprises in Russia have passed the stages of development: The first stage is Sensors and autonomous GIS products, the equipment of which allowed optimizing the loading of mining equipment by an average of 8%, increasing tire mileage by 7–15%, practically preventing accidents, digitizing mining and geological systems; The second stage is monitoring and statistics, which, using the experience of the first stage, made it possible to achieve an average fuel economy of 10%, increase cargo transportation productivity by 15%, and increase the technical readiness coefficient (CTG) by 4%; The third stage - Optimization and integration” contributed to an increase in the productivity of mining equipment by 10-15% stabilization of the quality of coal (ore), an increase in the productivity of drilling rigs by 15-20% while reducing the cost of drilling by 2–7%; The fourth stage is Predictive analysis, where, based on the achievements of the three previous stages, the prediction of the risk of accidents is achieved and, taking into account the modeling of optimization of technical and economic processes, preliminary maintenance is carried out with a forecast of production from extraction to enrichment. The fifth stage - Robotics - is a “revolutionary” increase in productivity due to changes in the parameters of geotechnologies. Modern production based on digital technologies is exposed to three main drivers: changing demands of mining enterprises, technology development and increased competition. Digital transformation is the process of transition of an enterprise to new ways of thinking based on the need to improve industrial and environmental safety and work based on the use of social, mobile and other digital applications.

Attitudes toward the use of humanoid robots in healthcare—a cross-sectional study

The use of robotic technology in healthcare is increasing. The aim was to explore attitudes toward the use of humanoid robots in healthcare among patients, relatives, care professionals, school actors and other relevant actors in healthcare and to analyze the associations between participants’ background variables and attitudes. The data were collected through a cross-sectional survey (N = 264) in 2018 where participants met a humanoid robot. The survey was comprised of background variables and items from a modified Robot Attitude Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman’s Rho correlation were used to analyze associations between variables. Most of the participants were positive toward the use of humanoid robots in healthcare and only a few were negative. Attitudes toward the use of humanoid robots were more positive among other relevant actors, such as service personnel and politicians in healthcare, participants with a higher educational level and older adults. More research is needed on the reasons underlying negative attitudes because these might affect the introduction of humanoid robots in healthcare. A careful evaluation of appropriate first target groups as well as which tasks are appropriate for humanoid robots to perform in healthcare are needed.

Robot-Assisted in Hip and Knee Surgery: Are we ready?

The word 'robot' is derived from the Polish word "robota," which means forced labor. It describes a machine that carries out various tasks either automatically or with minimal external input, especially one that is programmable. There are two main types of robotic surgery systems: haptic and autonomous. Haptic or tactile systems allow the surgeon to use or drive the robot to perform a surgical procedure. This technology requires constant input by the surgeon for the procedure to proceed. In contrast, autonomous robotic systems require the surgeon to perform the approach and set up the machine, but once engaged, the robot completes the surgery without the surgeon's help. The use of robotic technology has, in some cases, facilitated minimally invasive surgery, which has gained popularity with some patients. In spinal surgery, robotic technology has been successfully used to increase the accuracy of implant placement. Furthermore, robotic technology can improve the radiological alignment of implants following the pre-operative plan.1,2

Active robotic technologies for total knee arthroplasty.

When active robotic technologies for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) were introduced over 20years ago, broad usage of robotic technology was not felt to be needed as early data suggested no clear improvement in clinical outcomes compared to conventional techniques of implantation. Only recently has there been renewed enthusiasm for use of robotic technologies for implantation. Active robotic technology specifically refers to the use of a robot for planning and executing the surgical procedure-with surgeon guidance and control. The physical work of bone preparation is performed by a milling tool, following a cut path defined by a CT-based preoperative plan. This manuscript describes the IDE experience of the only active robotic system (ARoS) available in the US, which took place from February 2017 through December 2018. 115 patients were enrolled in an IDE study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ARoS for TKA. No previously described safety issues for TKA occurred. Three-dimensional accuracy of component placement used the preoperative CT plan compared to the 3-months postoperative CT scan to demonstrate accuracy of all autonomous resections to within 1.5mm and/or 1.5 degrees. Surgical planning and execution to restore alignment along kinematic principles were used in 40 procedures and to achieve mechanical alignment in 75 procedures. This FDA study of an active robotic approach for TKA represented the first multicenter trial and first US experience with this technology. Results demonstrated an excellent safety profile and high degree of accuracy. Advantages of this approach relate to standardization of the technique, multiple device options in the implant library, an excellent safety and accuracy profile, and consistency of results. Active robotics for TKA represents a viable and safe technique for primary TKA.

Autonomous 3D geometry reconstruction through robot-manipulated optical sensors

Many industrial sectors face increasing production demands and the need to reduce costs, without compromising the quality. The use of robotics and automation has grown significantly in recent years, but versatile robotic manipulators are still not commonly used in small factories. Beside of the investments required to enable efficient and profitable use of robot technology, the efforts needed to program robots are only economically viable in case of large lot sizes. Generating robot programs for specific manufacturing tasks still relies on programming trajectory waypoints by hand. The use of virtual simulation software and the availability of the specimen digital models can facilitate robot programming. Nevertheless, in many cases, the virtual models are not available or there are excessive differences between virtual and real setups, leading to inaccurate robot programs and time-consuming manual corrections. Previous works have demonstrated the use of robot-manipulated optical sensors to map the geometry of samples. However, the use of simple user-defined robot paths, which are not optimized for a specific part geometry, typically causes some areas of the samples to not be mapped with the required level of accuracy or to not be sampled at all by the optical sensor. This work presents an autonomous framework to enable adaptive surface mapping, without any previous knowledge of the part geometry being transferred to the system. The novelty of this work lies in enabling the capability of mapping a part surface at the required level of sampling density, whilst minimizing the number of necessary view poses. Its development has also led to an efficient method of point cloud down-sampling and merging. The article gives an overview of the related work in the field, a detailed description of the proposed framework and a proof of its functionality through both simulated and experimental evidences.

Robotics in Teaching-Learning: But in Nursing?

In this teaching-learning column, the use of robotic technology is explored as a possible adjunctive assistant to faculty. Given the advances in technology and the imposed restrictions of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, a discussion of using robotic technology in the teaching-learning of nursing seems timely and relevant. Questions to consider are explored. Then a concern and a possibility are presented for incorporating this advancing technology into teaching-learning from a humanbecoming perspective. Faculty are encouraged to enter into a deeper dialogue with colleagues in exploring options for incorporating robots with the caveat that the core of teaching-learning must remain the presence of teacher with student on the co-created never ending journey of the unfolding mystery in coming-to-know.