In an era of global healthcare staffing shortages, an Israeli startup is offering an innovative solution: Gary, a versatile robot designed to support overburdened hospital staff.
Unlimited Robotics, founded in 2020, has deployed a dozen Garys in two of Israel's largest hospitals since the start of this year. The company has also signed an agreement with Israel's Ministry of Health to provide robots for public hospitals and has recently expanded to Philadelphia, marking its entry into the U.S. market.
So, what can Gary do?
- Fetch and carry supplies
- Clean and sanitize surfaces
- Chat with patients and act as a translator
- Record and transcribe doctors' consultations
- Work 140-hour weeks without breaks
Guy Altagar, CEO of Unlimited Robotics, emphasizes that Gary isn't meant to replace human workers but to assist them. "The main problem is a severe shortage of staff, not just nurses and doctors, but the teams surrounding them that help them to achieve and perform better," Altagar told ISRAEL21c.
The Technology Behind Gary:
- Autonomous operation, taking "initiative" rather than relying on constant instructions
- Two coordinated arms, a rarity in robotics
- An open-source platform allowing quick adaptation to new tasks
- Cost-effective at $30,000 plus a monthly fee, less than a year's salary for a typical U.S. hospital worker
While the technology is still young and learning on the job, hospitals have been patient with the occasional misstep, such as Gary taking the wrong elevator or getting off at the wrong floor.
Unlimited Robotics has attracted $10 million in funding from notable startup investors. As the World Health Organization predicts a global shortfall of 18 million health workers by 2030, solutions like Gary could play a crucial role in supporting healthcare systems worldwide.
The company is focusing on healthcare for now but sees potential for Gary in other sectors such as factories, hotels, and airports in the future.
As hospitals grapple with increasing demand and staff shortages, Gary represents a glimpse into a future where robots and humans work side by side in healthcare settings.
* Israel21c contributed to this article.