The healthcare sector faces major challenges. The number of elderly people is rising, medical conditions are becoming more complex, and staff shortages continue to grow. To ensure that quality care remains available in the future, organizations are exploring technological solutions that can support professionals and enhance the self-reliance of residents. Robots are increasingly seen as a serious option. In a video report by Rocking Robots, Richard Kuijpers of Smartrobot.solutions and Bente van Pinxteren, Jente Nijs and Shady Mansour of Vitalis share how robots are already being tested in practice and what the first experiences look like.
Richard Kuijpers emphasizes that the use of robots in healthcare is no longer just a vision of the future. Several applications have already been piloted. A telepresence robot was used to enable doctors to make their rounds remotely, a service robot delivered meals so staff could focus on personal care, and robot dogs were tested to accompany people with dementia on walks and safely guide them back home. The humanoid robot Walker was also introduced. Walker can demonstrate physical exercises, support residents while walking, and may eventually be able to carry and deliver heavy groceries autonomously.
At Vitalis, the introduction of technology is always linked to solving specific problems. According to Bente van Pinxteren, the needs of staff and residents are the starting point. Robots are already used to clear dishes and clean floors, and experiments are underway with robots that allow residents with dementia to walk more freely. The aim is not to deploy robots for their own sake, but to ensure they add measurable value to daily care.
Jente Nijs explains that innovation is essential to make healthcare future-proof. Robots can take over physically demanding tasks, such as lifting residents’ legs back into bed, reducing workload and preventing physical strain for staff. At the same time, robots can help residents remain active and independent for longer.
Shady Mansour recalls that during the first tests with the robot dog, residents responded with enthusiasm. While staff were initially somewhat hesitant, residents engaged positively as soon as the robot performed small actions such as dancing or offering a paw. This suggests that acceptance of robots in healthcare may be higher than often assumed.
The experiences from these pilots show that robots are not a replacement for caregivers, but an addition. By taking on routine and physically demanding tasks, they allow staff to spend more time on personal interaction, while giving residents more opportunities to remain active.
The Rocking Robots video report makes clear that the first steps toward structural use of robots in healthcare have already been taken. From cleaning and service robots to telepresence solutions, robot dogs, and humanoids, the potential is significant. Healthcare is at the beginning of a transformation in which people and technology will work side by side to improve support and quality of life.
