Syracuse, N.Y.-based Upstate University Hospital will deploy a fleet of robots to perform non-clinical tasks such as transporting medicine and meals to patients.
The hospital has invested in 14 TUG robots manufactured by autonomous mobile robot company Aethon, according to a June 10 press release. The TUG robot is designed specifically for hospitals and can transport medical supplies, drugs, linens, meals and clinical equipment.
The robots will be initially used in the hospital's pharmacy, 61 nursing stations and food, nutrition, and distribution.
"With the current staffing shortage that is likely to last for several years, robots will allow our staff to work at the top of their skill set as robots take over some of the more routine tasks," said Robert Corona, DO, CEO of Upstate University Hospital.
TUG robots are currently being used at 37 VA hospitals, Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Hospital and University of California San Francisco Medical Center.