Scholarly record
THE FUTURE OF AI AND ROBOTS IN MEDICAL CARE: TECHNOLOGY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH
Abstract
Artificial intelligence and robotic technologies are increasingly reshaping modern healthcare, introducing new possibilities for diagnostics, patient support, and hospital operations. This paper examines the current applications and future directions of AI and robotics in medical care, with particular attention to their impact on patient–caregiver relationships and clinical workflows. The growing pressure on healthcare systems, driven by rising patient numbers, workforce shortages, and limited resources, highlights the need for intelligent support solutions. AI systems enable faster and more accurate analysis of medical data, assist in diagnostics, and streamline administrative tasks, while autonomous robots support logistics, medication delivery, and surgical procedures. Real-world implementations in hospitals across different countries demonstrate measurable improvements in efficiency and workload reduction. Beyond operational benefits, the integration of AI creates opportunities to strengthen the human aspect of care. By reducing repetitive tasks and enhancing access to relevant patient information, healthcare professionals can devote more time to communication, empathy, and shared decision-making. At the same time, ethical challenges related to data security, algorithmic transparency, bias, and accountability require continuous oversight and robust governance frameworks. In conclusion, AI and robotics hold significant potential to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare. Their successful adoption depends on aligning technological innovation with ethical responsibility, professional competence, and a clear commitment to maintaining trust, compassion, and human dignity at the centre of medical care.
Publication Impact Profile
Publication details
References14
Bohr, A. & Memarzadeh, K. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Topol, E. (2019) Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. Basic Books, New York, USA.
Swarnkar et al. (2025) Transforming Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence, Springer, Cham, Switzerland. pp. 15-40.
Garg et al. (2021) Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Springer, Cham, Switzerland. pp. 45-70.
Topol, E. (2019) Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. Basic Books, New York, USA. pp. 90-125.
Hassaballah, M.; Naveen, P. Human-Centred AI For Intelligent Healthcare: Approaches and Technologies. Academic Press / Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2026. pp. 25-70.
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/asia/changi-general-hospitals-robot-trio-complements-nursing-care
https://aethon.com/cnet-features-ucsf-tug-robots
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/programs/robotic-surgery
https://www.sgh.com.sg/news/lighternotes/self-driving-robots-automate-deliveries-across-singapore-general
Intuitive Surgical. (2024). Annual report. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Provides data on global adoption of da Vinci surgical robots.) McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year. McKinsey Global Institute. (Discusses rapid global adoption of AI technologies, including healthcare.) Statista. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare – statistics & facts. Statista Research Department. (Provides compiled metrics on AI adoption in hospitals internationally.) World Health Organization. (2021). Global strategy on digital health 2020–2025. World Health Organization. (Outlines global trends and growth in digital and AI-based health technologies.) European Commission. (2020). White paper on artificial intelligence: A European approach to excellence and trust. Publications Office of the European Union. (Provides data and projections on AI system adoption across healthcare sectors.) Lee, D., & Yoon, S. N. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence in healthcare: Review and future directions. Healthcare, 9(2), 1–17.
Taylor, R., et al. (2025). The rise of robotics and AI-assisted surgery in modern healthcare. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19, Article 311. Artificial intelligence: revolutionizing robotic surgery. (2024). Annals of Medicine and Surgery. History of Medicine. (2022). Vol. 08, Issue 1, 578–592. Robotics in Medicine | Medical Uses for Robots in Hospitals & Surgery. (2020). GWS Robotics.
Kerekovska, A. & Galunska, B. (2014) Publication bias in clinical research sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. Scripta Scinetifica Pharmaceutica, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria.
Fry, H. (2018) Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine, Black Swan, London, United Kingdom. pp. 45-60.
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.
