Medical robotics includes a wide range of technologies that help healthcare professionals deliver more precise, efficient, and minimally invasive care. These systems support surgery, rehabilitation, patient assistance, and pharmacy automation.
The global medical robotics market has increased from approximately $14.9 billion in 2023 to a projected $57.0 billion by 2032. Such tremendous growth is driven by technological advancements, an aging population, and an increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures.
At Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals, our faculty and students are helping shape the future of healthcare robotics.
Surgical Robotics in Action
A prime example of healthcare robotics in https://engineering.jhu.edu/news/robot-that-watched-surgery-videos-performs-with-skill-of-human-doctor/action would be the Da VinciⓇ surgical system. With advanced robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera, da VinciⓇ translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise actions within the patient’s body, allowing for complex procedures to be performed through smaller incisions. The result is reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays. Patients often experience faster recoveries and lower risks of complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
For example, in Queensland, Australia, an eight-year-old boy underwent robotic-assisted surgery to repair a kidney condition. The minimally invasive approach described above gave the surgical team the ability to operate with exceptional precision. The patient was able to be discharged within 24 hours and returned to normal activities.
Rehabilitation & Exoskeleton Technology
Another area of healthcare where robotics is on the rise is in rehabilitation. Exoskeleton technology provides powered support to individuals recovering from neurological injuries such as stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), or brain trauma. Devices like the EksoNR exoskeleton allow patients to engage in repetitive, weight-bearing gait training early in their recovery, even before they can walk independently. This is a necessary step for stimulating neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself) and for improving balance, strength, and coordination.
Clinical studies have already demonstrated the positive outcomes of exoskeleton-assisted therapy. For example, a randomized controlled trial showed that 12 weeks of exoskeleton-based training significantly improved independent walking in individuals with incomplete SCI, compared to standard therapy alone. Data from Ekso Bionics indicates that nearly 60% of stroke patients using the EksoNR during inpatient rehabilitation achieved ambulatory status by discharge.
Automation in Pharmacy & Lab Settings
Robotic automation is also transforming the pharmaceutical industry, including laboratory research and development. In the field of pharmaceuticals, robotic dispensing systems like ScriptPro’s SP 200 have streamlined the prescription-filling process by automating tasks such as counting, labeling, and dispensing medications. This not only reduces the workload on pharmacists but also minimizes the potential for human error.
In laboratory environments, automation platforms like Tecan’s Fluent automate complex processes such as liquid handling and sample preparation. This allows laboratory workers to focus more on data analysis and interpretation.
The use of robotic systems like these has led to major reductions in dispensing errors. For instance, a study that evaluated a robotic dispensing system found that the total incidence of dispensing errors decreased from 0.204% to 0.044%, and unprevented errors went from 0.015% to 0.002% after the system’s introduction. These machines increase patient safety and contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
Telepresence & Remote Care Robots
Finally, modern healthcare has been revolutionized by telehealth and remote care robots, especially in the past few years during the pandemic. This kind of integration of telepresence and remote care robots not only enhances the efficiency of medical services but also ensures continuity of care during emergencies. For example, the RP-VITA, developed by iRobot and InTouch Health, let physicians conduct remote consultations by navigating hospital corridors and patient rooms independently. With its real-time access to clinical data and the ability to connect with diagnostic devices, the RP-VITA gives doctors the ability to provide timely and informed care from nearly any location.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of telepresence robots became increasingly critical. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, researchers developed a robotic system that allowed medical staff to remotely operate ventilators and other bedside machines from outside intensive care units. This preserved personal protective equipment (PPE), limited staff exposure to the virus, and provided clinicians with more time for other critical tasks.
Challenges & Regulatory Considerations
Despite all the benefits healthcare robotics can provide, integrating them into everyday practice is not without challenges. In particular, there are the high costs of the machines and the need for specialized training.
As an example, a surgical robotic system like the da VinciⓇ can exceed $2 million, not including the annual service contracts and the expense of disposable instruments. Not all medical facilities can afford this. Moreover, using such advanced technology necessitates comprehensive training for surgeons and support staff. This increases the costs even further.
Regulatory considerations are another significant factor in adopting healthcare robotics. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies surgical robots as Class II medical devices, requiring a 510(k) premarket notification to demonstrate substantial equivalence to existing approved devices. In other words, manufacturers must demonstrate that their robots are as safe and effective as existing technology before they are cleared for market.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of medical robotics, such as enhanced precision, reduced recovery times, and improved patient outcomes, continue to drive the field forward. As healthcare robotic technology advances, we may very well see that the barriers to adoption will diminish, making robotic-assisted healthcare more accessible and widespread.
The Future of Robotics in Healthcare
As we’ve now seen, the use of robotics in healthcare is only just getting started. The future of these machines is rapidly evolving thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), micro-robotic devices, and soft robotics. These types of innovations will transform patient care through solutions that are less invasive, more efficient, and tailored to individual needs. As the research progresses, we can anticipate a healthcare landscape where robotic technologies play an even more important role.
Some trends in healthcare robotics to look out for include:
- AI-enhanced surgical systems: The integration of AI in surgical robots can improve decision-making and precision during procedures.
- Micro-robotic devices: Tiny robots capable of navigating the human body to deliver targeted therapies or perform diagnostics.
- Soft robotic exosuits: Wearable soft robots that assist with movement and rehabilitation, for the patient’s enhanced comfort and effectiveness.
- Autonomous diagnostic tools: AI-driven robots that can analyze medical data and assist in early disease detection.
- Telepresence robots: Robots that allow healthcare providers to interact with patients remotely, thereby expanding access to quality healthcare.
Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals is at the forefront of healthcare robotics innovation. Our faculty, students, and alumni are advancing research that leads to tangible improvements in patient care—from developing portable diagnostic machines that enable earlier detection in low-resource settings to engineering safer, more precise surgical robots that minimize risk and improve recovery times. Through applied research and field deployment, we design intelligent systems that respond to real clinical needs and help shape the future of healthcare delivery.
Boost Your Career in Robotics With JHU EP
Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals is advancing the field of robotics through cutting-edge research and real-world innovation. From developing safer surgical robots to designing intelligent autonomous systems, our faculty and students are shaping the future of human–robot interaction. If you’re ready to take the next step in your robotics career, our Robotics and Autonomous Systems master’s program gives you the advanced skills to lead in this rapidly evolving field.
Fully online and built for working professionals, the program focuses on autonomy, perception, control, and human–robot teaming. You’ll graduate prepared to design and deploy intelligent systems across industries. Contact us today to learn how Johns Hopkins can help you move forward in robotics.