AI and Robotics in Medicine: Transformative Allies or Future Replacements for Healthcare Professionals?
If we were to plot the greatest revolutions in human history, it would probably start with fire, then wheels, fast forward to sliced bread, and now… robots and AI. It’s like The Jetsons came to life, except instead of a robot maid, we’ve got bots aiming to play ‘Operation’ with our innards. Intriguing? Absolutely. Slightly terrifying? You betcha.
From the moment humans developed an ability to make ‘beep-boop’ sounds, we’ve been obsessed with robots. Today, they’re in our homes, at our workplaces, and are even showing up in our operating rooms. The latter might seem like something straight out of a Sci-fi novel, but it’s very much real and opens up an entire Pandora’s box of compelling debates, ethical quandaries, and a concerning number of robot jokes.
As someone who might be a little too excited about the idea of robots in healthcare, let me take you on a journey of the pros, cons, and the existential dread associated with the rise of AI and Robotics in surgical procedures. You might want to grab a snack, this could get interesting.
Robotics in surgery isn’t some Frankenstein experiment, far from it. These aren’t just any robots, they’re specialized machines designed to slice, dice, and stitch with exceptional precision. According to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, Robotic surgery is a win-win — patients get less invasive procedures with faster recovery, and surgeons get enhanced dexterity and a better visual field. It’s like the difference between using a butter knife and a Samurai sword, if you catch my drift.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating innovations in this field is XENOBOT — the world’s first living robot. Imagine a microscopic Arnold Schwarzenegger, ready to sprint through your body, perform complex surgeries, deliver medicine, and even eliminate plaque from arteries. ‘I’ll be back,’ said plaque, to which XENOBOT replied, ‘Not on my watch!’
Of course, it’s not all rosy. Like your annoying little brother, even AI has its shortcomings. The lack of sensory feedback might increase the risk of injury during surgeries. Plus, implementing AI and Robotics in healthcare could be as financially draining as a teenage kid with a new credit card. But, just like your kid’s part-time job, these costs could potentially be offset by charging a bit more for robotic surgeries. A fair deal, right?
Then comes the big question: Will AI and Robots replace our beloved doctors? Now, before you start imagining a Robot apocalypse where Terminator is your new GP, hear me out. The lack of intuition and adaptability in AI suggests that experienced doctors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Sure, we have robots like the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) mimicking complex surgical procedures, but as Peter Kim, a pediatric surgeon at Children’s National argues, the idea of human surgeons getting completely replaced by machines is as far-fetched as pigs flying (or humans landing on Mars, for that matter).
So, will AI and Robotics in healthcare lead to substantial job losses? That’s like saying the introduction of the microwave would put chefs out of business. It’s more likely to change the nature of jobs, not eliminate them. After all, the human touch remains irreplaceable, just like mom’s homemade apple pie.
In conclusion, AI and Robotics in healthcare represent a significant leap towards a more efficient, reliable, and let’s face it, cooler medical world. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The goal isn’t to replace human doctors with robots, but to create a harmonious blend of the two to optimize patient care.
As we navigate this new realm of medical technology, let’s remember to celebrate the achievements, address the challenges, and perhaps crack a joke or two along the way. After all, the future of healthcare might be high-tech, but it should also be high-spirited. And who knows, maybe one day, laughter will truly become the best medicine!
References:
Emanuel, Z. Kocher, B. (2019). Will robots replace doctors? Brookings. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/usc-brookings-schaeffer-on-health-policy/2019/03/05/will-robots-replace-doctors/
Br, J. (2018). Artificial intelligence in medicine: Current trends and future possibilities. British Journal of General Practice. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819974/
Longoni, C. Morewedge, C. (2019). AI Can Outperform Doctors. So Why Don’t Patients Trust It? Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2019/10/ai-can-outperform-doctors-so-why-dont-patients-trust-it
Benefits of Robotic Surgery. (n.d.). MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Retrieved April 6, 2020, from https://www.medstarfranklinsquare.org/our-services/surgical-services/treatments/robotic-surgery/benefits-of-robotic-surgery/
Knapton, S. (2017). Humans still make better surgeons than robots, study shows. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/10/24/humans-still-make-better-surgeons-robots-study-shows/
Knight, W. (2016). Nimble-Fingered Robot Outperforms Best Human Surgeons. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2016/05/04/160371/nimble-fingered-robot-outperforms-the-best-human-surgeons/
Howard, B. (2014). Robotic Surgery Risks and Benefits — Is a Robot Right for You. AARP. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-12-2013/robotic-surgery-risks-benefits.html
Clark, L. (2012). Vinod Khosla: Machines will replace 80 percent of doctors. The wiredUK. Retrieved from https://www.wired.co.uk/article/doctors-replaced-with-machines
Wiltz, C. (2020). Why Don’t We Have Robot Surgeons Yet? Design News. Retrieved from https://www.designnews.com/automation-motion-control/why-dont-we-have-robot-surgeons-yet/124947693462450
Yeung, J. (2020). Meet the Xenobot: The firstliving robot created from a stem cell. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/13/us/living-robot-stem-cells-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html
