Meet iRobot, the new superhero in healthcare

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Meet iRobot, the new superhero in healthcare
A visitor expresses surprise at seeing the new 'superhero' in the healthcare industry.

Dubai - Unveiled for the first time in the UAE on Monday, Unix Medical showcased their InTouch Health iRobot.

by

Kelly Clarke

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Published: Tue 31 May 2016, 7:58 PM

There is no doubting who the real superheroes of healthcare are. Working round-the-clock to care for their patients, the doctors, nurses and technicians of the medical field are a necessity. But like every superhero, a trusty sidekick is always handy.
Step forward - or more aptly, roll forward - the robots.
In today's technological world, robots are practically working side by side with humans to get things done, and there is no exception when it comes to the healthcare industry.
Unveiled for the first time in the UAE on Monday, Unix Medical showcased their InTouch Health iRobot.
A system which allows you to bring the doctor to the bedside of the patient, remotely, Sergey Vorontsov, doctor and Head of International Projects at Unix, told Khaleej Times this is one of the best innovations in healthcare monitoring in the hospital setting.
"There are several variations of this product which proves how in-demand it is. The idea behind iRobot is to shorten the distance between the doctor and the patient."
Revolutionising how people and healthcare professionals communicate and deliver information through remote presence, this product has been around for several years.
But in the UAE, given that some of the Emirates have issues regarding remote access to healthcare facilities, Vorontsov said the healthcare sector here would hugely benefit from such an aid.

"These are especially good in emergency situations that demand quick decisions. It can be used in any setting but is particular beneficial for remote locations where doctors may not be able to reach quickly."
The software can be delivered on a PC or tablet and simply needs an internet connection.
Depending on the local IT structure, the iRobot can be adapted for the required setting, but Vorontsov said it is better to use a "turnkey structure" when introducing it into the workplace.
"It will be charged on a dock station in the hospital and the operator will map the system to the specifications of the hospital, so the iRobot can freely move around it using sensors."
With a base price of $200,000, the long-term investment will produce better cost savings according to Vorontsov, due to the increased productivity of the doctor's workload.
"For a normal-sized hospital with an A&E department, ICU etc, I'd suggest around five or six robots, and for university hospitals, about double that, as these are a great aid for on-the-spot learning."
The iRobot was unveiled on the opening day of the 'Building Healthcare Middle East' exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
This three-day exhibition expects to welcome more than 6,000 attendees, 70 renowned speakers and 100 exhibitors from 70 countries.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

Officials and Delegates during the  Building Healthcare Middleeast at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Officials and Delegates during the Building Healthcare Middleeast at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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