Robots and automation for hospitals

It has been a clear goal for Gødstrup Regional Hospital to automate the transport of goods, clothing, linens, and internal supplies. We chose an AGV system because of its flexibility and its ability to be adapted to future requirements.

We are very interested in innovative and secure solutions that free up resources from administrative tasks, allowing them to be redirected toward patient-centered care. Patient safety is enhanced when we automate tasks that were previously performed manually. Technicians in our medical laboratories gain more time for value-added tasks instead of manually sorting blood samples.

We enjoy several benefits from Gibotech’s automated sterilization center and sterile storage facility. The physical workload on our staff has been reduced because we have eliminated some of the heavy, physically demanding tasks. Full traceability of the materials is ensured, and the warehouse is utilized to its full capacity because it is automated. Even though it is a “chaotic warehouse.”

From the very beginning of the project, the North Denmark Region and Aalborg University Hospital have sought to automate transport operations at the new hospital in Aalborg. Consequently, AGV transport has been an integral part of every phase of the project. This is evident, for example, in the separate elevators designated for technical transport. The desire to automate from the start stemmed from both a desire to improve the ergonomic work environment and a desire to be prepared for the future.

At Nyt OUH, automation was a major focus area when we were developing our logistics operations. We aim to create work procedures that are both more efficient and less physically demanding for our employees. For example, in the kitchen, we have eliminated much of the manual transport of food carts, so employees no longer have to push carts through the hot dishwashing area and directly into the cold storage area. Similarly, we have a robot that empties the dirty food carts. This improves the work environment, reduces energy consumption, and frees up staff to focus on other tasks.

It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to test new robotics technology right here and now. This gives us a technological edge as we prepare to move into the new super hospital in 2020. The experience we’re gaining now provides an invaluable foundation for developing our laboratory with the latest technology. The result is the highest possible level of patient safety.