The latest development from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is making waves in the news – a robot named ‘Spot’ designed by Boston Dynamics, aimed at assisting medical professionals dealing with Covid-19 patients. The technology could potentially minimize healthcare workers’ exposure to the virus by allowing them to assess patients from a safe distance.
Spot: An Overview
Spot is a state-of-the-art robot controlled by a handheld device. Its design, reminiscent of a four-legged canine, allows it to move easily over various terrains. It’s capable of climbing stairs and small enough to operate indoors. Spot’s primary function is to measure vital signs in patients such as skin temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation. These measurements can be taken from a healthy distance of two metres away, reducing the risk of viral transmission. Spot also has four cameras; one infrared and three monochrome.
The Inner Workings of Spot
Spot utilizes its infrared camera to monitor body temperature. It does so by measuring the skin temperature on the face. Following this, an algorithm processes the data, correlating the facial skin temperature with the core body temperature.
This state-of-the-art robot can also calculate a patient’s breathing rate through an intricate process. When a mask-clad patient breathes, the temperature of the mask changes slightly. This change is detected by Spot’s infrared camera, and the data is subsequently used to determine the individual’s breathing rate.
Additionally, Spot has the capability to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. Spot takes advantage of the slight colour changes that occur when haemoglobin binds to oxygen and circulates through blood vessels. These changes are captured by the three monochrome cameras which filter light from three different wavelengths. Using this data, the robot’s algorithm calculates the pulse rate and blood oxygen levels in the patient.
The Potential Benefits of Spot
Spot can be used in a multitude of settings but shows great promise in environments where suspected Covid-19 cases gather. The ability to deploy Spot in such situations significantly reduces the risk for healthcare workers. It offers the option for frontline workers to manoeuvre Spot remotely, taking it directly to patients, irrespective of their seating arrangement.
An additional feature is Spot’s capability to carry a tablet. This allows doctors to engage with patients about their symptoms without being physically present in the same room. This furthers the objective of reducing exposure and protecting healthcare professionals from potential infection.
This innovative use of technology not only streamlines parts of the medical process, but more importantly, adds an additional layer of safety for our healthcare workers. However, the actual impact of such technology will only be clear with further practical application and testing.
Source: IE
