Robots in hospitals: planning, systems and implementation

Robots are taking on more and more tasks in hospitals. They help hospitals meet increasing demands for efficiency and quality. Robotics enhances hospital logistics, for example, in the transport of lab samples, blood products, medications, laundry and meals.

It can also support service processes on nursing wards. Hospitals face complex decisions regarding suitable systems and their integration. The research institute supports them with analyses, strategic concepts and implementation-oriented projects.

Robots in hospitals are gaining importance because the healthcare sector must continue to improve efficiency and quality. Autonomous systems handle the transport of lab samples, blood units, medications and sterile supplies all the way to functional areas and nursing wards. At the same time, service robots relieve nursing staff of some patient care duties. As a result, applications in nursing and service are also coming into sharper focus. The growing number of available systems makes decision-making more challenging for hospitals.

Hospitals therefore carefully analyze their infrastructure, processes and requirements. Only in this way can robotics be integrated in a targeted manner. At the same time, the systems must be compatible with IT and infrastructure and be economically viable. Clearly defining strategy, system selection and integration enables smooth implementation, protects investments and minimizes risks. The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) supports these steps with independent analyses, thereby creating a solid foundation for decision-making.

The institute supports hospitals from strategic planning through to concrete implementation. This approach results in sustainable solutions that align with the site’s processes, infrastructure and goals.

• Strategy workshops and strategic planning concepts
• Logistics concepts utilizing robotics for hospital logistics
• Robotics concepts for new and existing buildings
• Selection support and cost-benefit analysis of robot platforms
• Support with the implementation of robotic platforms

Start a project inquiry on robotics in hospitals

Robotics in hospitals is always considered within the interplay of processes, technology and building infrastructure. Based on this approach, logistics concepts effectively integrate autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in supply tunnels, cleaning robots and service robots. The result is a coordinated, comprehensive system for new and existing buildings that organizes material flows.

In strategy workshops and planning concepts, the team first determines which processes are suitable for robot deployment. Next, they assess which systems are compatible with the existing infrastructure. Experts evaluate robot platforms in terms of functionality and cost-effectiveness. They also oversee the implementation. This approach results in integrated transport solutions that can be connected to IT and infrastructure and operate reliably.

“The use of mobile robots in hospitals can significantly reduce the workload in service operations and transport logistics. A strategic and planning-based approach helps in the selection and implementation of sustainable hospital logistics.”
Marcus Hintze, research scientist at Fraunhofer IML

A well-founded transportation or service concept in a hospital combines strategic direction, process optimization and technical integration. It demonstrates how logistical requirements, information technology (IT) infrastructure and architectural conditions interact. This approach provides a solid foundation for sound investment decisions in robotics and hospital logistics.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) supports the entire project cycle, ranging from initial strategy discussions and system selection to operational implementation. This independent project support enables an objective evaluation of robot platforms. At the same time, the institute combines scientific methodology with extensive project experience. This approach yields concepts that are analytically sound and practical in everyday hospital operations.

Logistics concepts for the University Hospital Ulm campus

The project at Ulm University Hospital demonstrates how logistics for a new hospital campus can be planned early on and in a holistic manner. Concepts with future viability were developed for material supply, elevators, bed preparation, waste disposal, medication and operating room areas.

Intermodal robotics in hospitals—the “AIR²” project

The “AIR²” project at the University Hospital of Cologne is developing a combined drone and autonomous mobile robot system. It enables intermodal transport solutions on the hospital grounds.

Expertise in the field enables thorough planning and implementation of robotics solutions for hospitals. Support is provided with:

• Customized consulting on robotics solution
• Process and infrastructure analyses
• Strategic planning for the deployment of robotics
• Selecting Suitable Robot Platforms
• Support during implementation

Inquire about a robotics project for your hospital