Google Arm: Future of Telemedicine

The development of robotics and integration into healthcare has enhanced life-saving processes. Robotics is integrated into surgical devices, radio imaging and other treatment methods. The demand for robotics in healthcare, especially surgery is increased. Robotic procedures are deemed safer v. human error. Give greater precision and leave minimum margin for error

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Robotic arm is a concept that’s been in development for a few years now. Phase of controlling long distance mechanism to conduct a surgery has not approached. Google wants to take robotic surgery and telemedicine to the next level

Dubbed Google Arm, it's a concept of carrying out the operation of a surgeon wearing the arm in California and being able to perform in Sydney with similar response receiving device.

Huge leap to introduction of telemedicine.

Google arm aims to perfect the system’s robotic and computer technologies work together to scale, filter and translate and transfer the surgeon’s hand movements into micro-movements that guide the instruments miles apart.

Google's Arm uses a RP-7i system features, 1 or more physician control stations can link wirelessly to what is called an “endpoint”.

Endpoint is a remote-controlled mobile console/medical cart topped with a high-definition video screen and camera. Robot enables two-way doctor-to-doctor and doctor-to-patient communication and visualization.

System equipped with suite of basic medical instruments which allows remote monitoring of vital signs

Consulting doctor can:

  • observe patient behavior
  • check bedside monitors
  • confer with family members
  • review medical images with the patient
  • Remote physician can travel from room to room
  • Doctors are anticipating the growth of telemedicine and long-distance operations
  • The technology would benefit people in developing countries avoiding travel expenses
  • More inepidemics and outbreaks surgeries could be performed

Issues may include: 

  1. Limitations of bandwidth
  2. Situations of time lag