One of the best applications for robots is to relieve medical personnel of tedious tasks. Chang Industrial and Mobile Industrial Robots ApS yesterday announced that they have formed a strategic partnership to use autonomous systems to improve the patient experience, nursing staff activities, and supplies management in the healthcare industry.
Nursing shortages continue to be a problem for the industry, and increasing productivity in a safe and efficient manner is a large opportunity for providers, noted the companies. Studies have indicated that up to 40% of a nurse's time may be consumed by non-nursing tasks. Overworked nurses lead to lower patient outcomes, fatigue, burnout, and turnover.
In 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recorded 19,700 on-the-job injuries to nurses, with 74% occurring in hospitals, and 91% attributed to females. Nursing injury rates are dramatically higher than industry standards.
A prescription for mobile robots
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can reduce the demands of medical staffers on patient floors, allowing them to focus on critical, life-saving tasks that require their expert training, said Chang Industrial and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). AMRs can allow nurses and other staffers to have more time for patient interactions and empathy with those in need, they said.
By using the capabilities of robotics, healthcare providers can enhance operational efficiency, improve patient care, and create a safer and more productive environment for both patients and staff. Studies show that improved physical conditions result in higher workforce retention, according to Chang Industrial and MiR.
The partners said their goal is “to optimize the healthcare experience chain with emphasis on autonomous systems and workforce optimization, maximizing information technology.”
“Joining forces with MiR and their impressive mobile robotics technology portfolio has already started to create new and exciting opportunities for our team,” said Chris Callura, vice president of operations and strategic partnerships at Chang Industrial, in a release. “The feedback from the industry and our customers has overwhelmingly validated what we knew to be a great fit.”
Founded in 2017, Chang Industrial said it specializes in advanced manufacturing and disruptive technologies. The Jacksonville Beach, Fla.-based engineering firm added that it seeks to modernize supply chains and optimize workforces by creating technology road maps for companies to advance their innovation initiatives.
Chang Industrial has experienced rapid growth and was named a Top 10 Global Supply Chain Leader in 2022. It recently announced a partnership with Hai Robotics to serve North American manufacturers.
Chang Industrial offers MiR AMRs
Chang Industrial's network of of engineering experts and supply chain partners now offers collaborative AMRs from Mobile Industrial Robots. The technology can help hospitals by automating transport of materials in hallways, elevators, and logistics areas, said MiR.
By integrating AMRs into their operations, clients can automate processes, reduce costs, acquire digital insights, and gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of healthcare services, said the Odense, Denmark-based company.
“Chang Industrial brings a wealth of experience and expertise into a fresh market area, which will contribute significantly towards our growth and innovation, ” said Karl Bentz, area sales manager at MiR. “As a result of this new partnership, we'll be better able to help our joint customers in the healthcare industry quickly, easily, and cost-effectively automate internal logistics.”
Founded in 2013, Mobile Industrial Robots said it develops and manufactures a range of AMRs to quickly, easily, and cost-effectively automate internal logistics and optimize material handling. The company said it serves customers of all sizes in industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare.
MiR has nearly 220 distributors and certified systems integrators in 60 countries. It also has regional offices in Holbrook, N.Y., San Diego; North Reading, Mass., and Georgetown, Ky., as well as Singapore, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai.
Teradyne acquired MiR in 2018, and in 2022, it merged MiR with AutoGuide Mobile Robots to unify its product line of low- to heavy-payload robots.
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