KMUTT to develop robots for the medical sector
KING Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) has embarked on a project to develop robots for the medical sector.
The project has already set its sight on producing robotic medicine dispensers.
“We aim to ease the burden on medical workers who are outnumbered by patients. This in turn should increase their work efficiency and reduce any risk of mistakes,” Dr Siam Charoenseang said in his capacity as the director of KMUTT’s Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO).
FIBO is implementing the project in collaboration with the Thailand Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) and Supreme Hitera Co Ltd. They have signed a cooperation agreement.
“We will develop our robots based on a real work environment. We are going to provide solutions that respond well to the Thai context,” Siam said.
Kamthorn Kanchanawatee, managing director of Supreme Hitera, said the robotic medicine dispensers would provide hospital staff with more time to focus on other tasks.
“They can reduce human errors and patients’ waiting time,” he added.
TCELS chief executive officer Dr Nares Damrongchai said the development of medical robots would be a boost to Thailand’s competitiveness and economy.
“I must also say that this project is about human-resource development and talent mobility,” he said.
“We bought robot technology from western countries. However, the technology needed to be adapted to Thai society. For example, the command key required translating the letter into Thai.
“The hospital staff will need to learn how to operate the robots. Even though the robots are working on their own, there will be continuing maintenance of their systems.
“The investment of about Bt100 million will be worth it. If this project exists in the future, it will save about Bt600 million in labour costs.”
Siam said that more advanced robots might be developed to serve more difficult tasks in hospitals. “The robot might help a doctor do an operation on patient,” Siam said. “The robot will be operated using nano technology. Nano technology is most advance technology in robots.
“The project provides opportunities for students to design the robot models and improve robot systems. It will allow students to have a lot of experiences outside their classroom. This will help the country’s education system”.
