Competitive Intelligence In Medical Service Robots Market

1.1  Healthcare Assistive Robots Market

The global healthcare assistive robots market size was estimated at USD 27.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% from 2024 to 2030. The healthcare assistive robot market encompasses a range of segments such as surgical, exoskeleton, pharmaceutical, cleanroom, prosthetics, medical service, and companion robots. This trend report from the GVR research team will deliver comprehensive qualitative and quantitative insights specifically on the surgical, exoskeleton, medical service, and companion robots segments.

1.2  Medical Service Robot Market Performance

The medical service market was estimated at USD 17.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.

• In May 2024, Richtech Robotics Inc., a Nevada-based company specializing in AI-powered service robots, introduced its newest innovation, Medbot. This robot, designed specifically for elevator delivery, aims to revolutionize pharmacy operations by ensuring seamless, round-the-clock medication delivery.

• In April 2024, Avidbots, a company in the robotics industry, launched Kas, their latest autonomous floor-scrubbing robot designed to cater to the spaces of retail, transportation, healthcare, and educational sectors. Kas offers businesses a way to modernize their workforce approach, achieve cost savings from the outset, and transform their approach to cleaning.

• In June 2023, Laakso Hospital in Finland has initiated a three-month pilot program featuring a telerobot from Scottish deep-tech startup Touchlabs. This innovative robot, Välkky, is designed to simulate the sensation of touch, aiming to support nurses in patient care and lessen their work burdens. Nurses will control the robot using a haptic glove, enabling them to remotely assess vital signs such as pulse, temperature, and oxygen levels .

The medical service robots market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors. Below are the primary drivers influencing this market:

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in robotics technology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology, are enhancing the capabilities of medical robots. These advancements enable more precise surgical procedures, improved rehabilitation processes, and efficient hospital logistics, thus attracting more healthcare facilities to adopt robotic solutions.

• Rising Demand for Rehabilitation Solutions: The increasing incidence of mobility disorders, such as strokes and spinal cord injuries, is driving the demand for rehabilitation robots. These robots provide personalized therapy and assistive technologies that help restore movement and enhance recovery for patients with motor impairments.

• Increased Funding and Investment: There has been a notable rise in funding for research and development in medical robotics. This financial support is crucial for innovation and the introduction of new robotic systems into the market, further propelling growth.

• Enhanced Patient Care and Safety: Medical service robots improve the quality of care by allowing healthcare professionals to focus on critical tasks while robots handle repetitive or precision-demanding activities. This enhances patient safety and improves overall healthcare efficiency.

• Regulatory Support and Market Expansion: Government initiatives and regulatory frameworks supporting the integration of robotics in healthcare also contribute to market growth. These regulations help ensure safety and efficacy, boosting healthcare providers' confidence in adopting robotic technologies.

• Global Aging Population: The increasing elderly population contributes to a higher demand for healthcare services, including surgical and rehabilitation procedures. As the need for effective and efficient healthcare solutions grows, so does the adoption of medical robots. 

• Increasing Demand for Disinfection Purpose: Robots in the medical sector significantly reduce the workload of healthcare workers by optimizing clinical processes. These robots address workforce deficits, playing a crucial role in managing inventories to ensure the availability of drugs, supplies, and necessary equipment. Additionally, they are employed in sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization tasks, where it has been observed that automated sterilization techniques can cut down labor needs by 64%. In June 2022, Nevoa Inc. launched its innovative, automated sterilization robot named Nimbus. This robot efficiently distributes disinfectant across the surfaces of a room and purifies the air. Nimbus's rapid dehumidification feature quickly removes any leftover disinfectant, making the room safe for reentry without delay.

  

1.3  Emerging Players and Innovations in the Medical Service Robots Market Across Diverse Applications

Companies Entering the Medical Service Robots Market Across Various Applications

Dispensing Robots Emerging Companies:

• InTouch Health: Developing automated dispensing units focused on accuracy.

• TUG (Aethon): Robotic systems for dispensing and transporting medications in hospitals.

Disinfection Robots Emerging Companies:

• Xenex Disinfection Services: Specializing in UV light-based disinfection robots.

• Blue Ocean Robotics (UVD Robots): Leaders in mobile, autonomous disinfection solutions.

Value propositions

• Offers end-to-end telepresence support: pre-deployment consulting, implementation, operations, professional services, and more.

• The telepresence robot "Ava" ensures secure and mobile communication with complete autonomy.

• Ava integrates Cisco Webex Teams Video SDKs in Web and iOS apps, plus Cisco Webex device management, leveraging secure Cisco infrastructure.

• Developing use cases for UV disinfection robots alongside telepresence solutions.

• Focuses on creating safe environments for remote communication with enhanced mobility.

1.4  Case Studies

1.4.1  Optimizing Hospital Intralogistics with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) at Zealand University Hospital

"One big advantage is that MiR robots are designed to run exactly in the same areas as humans, so there’s no need to change the existing facility. The robots can use the lifts, drive in the hallways alongside staff and patients, avoid obstacles and even open doors autonomously."

- Johnny Hansen, Operations Manager for Zealand University Hospital.

1.4.2  UV-C radiation for secure automated room disinfection in hospitals