Exciting times lie ahead in healthcare technology, and if current trends are anything to go by, we are on the brink of a revolution, as artificial intelligence, robotics and healthcare start to converge.  From better patient outcomes and efficient operations, to increased affordability across a wide range of procedures, this holy convergence is set to add substantial value to patients, healthcare providers, as well as the broader economy in the coming years.

Convergence – Where Robotics Meets AI & Healthcare

AI? Robotics? & health care? Unlikely bedfellows? Not really! These three diverse fields now converge in multiple ways primed to have a profound impact on health care for decades ahead.

In this article, we try to imagine what the bold future that lies ahead, and what healthcare will look like towards the tail-end of this decade.

1.   Medical Imaging

It is no secret that AI has already become a game changer in the field of medical imaging since its inception a few years ago.

With its ability to perform quick and precise analyses at an unparalleled level compared with those done manually by radiologists or doctors alone – it is easy to see why this technology has been embraced so rapidly within this area specifically.

Given its reduced errors, and the substantial benefits that come with early diagnosis for a wide range of illnesses, medical imaging is set to take a large strides during the course of this decade.

2.   Drug Discovery

Drug discovery is an essential aspect of modern medicine but remains constrained by its laborious nature and high associated expenses.

Fortunately, scientists are increasingly turning towards artificial intelligence to assist in expediting this crucial research process.

By analyzing vast amounts of data using predictive algorithms, AI can identify which compounds show promise as therapeutic agents for particular diseases – thus reducing the need for costly lab testing or animal trials later on in development stages.

Ultimately incorporating such advanced technology into drug discovery could lead to major advancements in patient care as treatments are created and made available more quickly, and if we’re lucky, even put a stop to the perpetually increasing global healthcare costs.

3.   Robotic Surgery

The application of robotics in healthcare has seen some really impressive breakthroughs in several medical subfields, particularly in the case of surgical interventions.

Robotic surgeries offer a much higher level of precision than what can be achieved through human means alone, thereby reducing any risks during complicated procedures significantly. It has been known to deliver better outcomes for patients, particularly when it comes to the recovery time, in addition to substantially lower instances of possible complications.

With the use of robots, surgeons can attempt minimally invasive procedures for a wide variety of requirements, and in many cases, patients can recover completely, and head home the very same day.

4.   Virtual Assistants

The impact of AI has been felt across various industries – but perhaps nowhere as deeply as in the case of virtual assistant services.

As far as healthcare management is concerned specifically however, there’s no denying that these intelligent digital systems have reshaped how patients engage with their own health.

This includes providing unprecedented support through automated daily reminders to taking medications, restocking prescriptions, and booking appointments with clinicians when essential. Everything accomplished, often at the click of a button, and sometimes without even that.

In addition to this, patients in the future will be significantly better equipped to take a more proactive approach to their own medical care, saving a great deal of time for medical professionals and healthcare systems.

People still don’t realize just how deep the potential of virtual assistants can be, especially when paired with AI, interoperability, and integrations. For example, a patient suffering from substance abuse issues can have much needed feedback when they are struggling with withdrawal symptoms, when their personal virtual assistant solution is linked with the software used for treatment planning.

Final Words

These are undeniably exciting times, and despite the risks and challenges that come with this convergence, we can say with a great deal of certainty that when it comes to the larger scheme of things, such advancements will almost always lead to a better future.