Nearly 1,000 hospitals in the U.S. and abroad have installed InTouch telemedicine devices, including about 50 RP-VITA robots launched in May, according to company officials.
The company rents out the RP-VITA for $5,000 per month. When a doctor is needed at a remote hospital location, he can log into the RP-VITA on-site by using a computer, laptop or iPad.
The robot has an auto-drive function that allows it to navigate its way to the patient’s room, using sensors to avoid bumping into things or people. Once inside the hospital room, the doctor can see, hear and speak to the patient, and have access to clinical data and medical images.
The physician can’t touch the patient, but there is always a nurse or medical assistant on-site to assist.
(via Robots Let Doctors ‘Beam’ Into Remote Hospitals – Business Insider)