Transforming the Medical Landscape: Applications of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Combating Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Robots have been developed for use in a variety of settings over the past decade. Examples of applications include rehabilitation and mobility, surgery, telepresence, and social assistance. These technological innovations have incredible potential in helping combat the spread of infectious diseases around the world. In this paper, the applications of robotics in diagnostics and surveillance, healthcare delivery, and vaccine development and research in regard to infectious diseases will be discussed. Recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence allow robots to perform more functions than ever before including processing real time data and making public health recommendations, detecting and tracking the presence of pathogens via robotic biosensors, and assisting in image-based diagnostics. In the healthcare setting, robots are able to assist in sanitation, hospitality, and the delivery of food and medications to patients. Robots have also assisted in the development and mass-manufacturing of vaccines during outbreaks such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, ethical considerations and technological limitations may ultimately determine how well robotics is received among the general public and medical community. The largest of these concerns pertain to privacy and data security, quality of care, and resource allocation. It is crucial for researchers, medical professionals, and public health officials to keep such aspects in mind as they continue to innovate and transform the medical landscape.