Gary works in a hospital. He does a lot of fetching and carrying. He cleans and sanitizes. He also chats to patients, acts as a translator and records and transcribes doctors’ consultations. He works every shift available, he never calls in sick, and he doesn’t stop for a coffee, a cigarette or a bathroom break. But he does need time to recharge his batteries – literally.
Gary is a robot, designed and built by Israel-based Unlimited Robotics. Since the start of this year a dozen Garys have been working at two of Israel’s largest hospitals. And 10 Garys just began working at a hospital in Philadelphia. The US is a huge target market for the company.
Gary is one answer to a global recruitment crisis in healthcare facilities. There simply aren’t enough people willing to work in a hospital when they can get a job in Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or McDonald’s for the same money. By 2030, writes Israel21c (July 25, 2024), the problem will be so acute that there will be a shortfall of 18 million health workers globally.
Gary costs around $30,000, which is less than a year’s salary for a typical US hospital worker. Except that Gary works a 140-hour week with no vacations.
There are many opportunities for Gary, but Unlimited Robotics decided concentrate on the huge demand from hospitals both in Israel and the US.
Gary is autonomous, which means he takes “initiative” rather than relying on minute-by-minute instructions. He also has two arms, whereas most robots have just one because coordination of two simultaneously is exceptionally complicated. And he’s adaptable. Most robots are designed for a single task, but Gary can quickly pick up new skills thanks to an open-source platform that allows software developers with no prior experience of robotics to build applications.
Gary provides a range of services in healthcare facilities, for example meeting the constant demand for bed linens, water, medical devices and other items so that medical personnel can spend more time treating patients. Gary also engages selected geriatric patients in conversation, to maintain or improve their cognitive capabilities. He recognizes them and (using AI) personalizes every conversation. Eight out of 10 patients say they are happy to chat to a robot. (Clicking on the article link allows you to watch a video of Gary in action).
Classroom discussion questions:
- What other tasks can Gary be eventually trained to do?
- What non-hospital opportunities exist for Gary?