Healthcare robotics solutions can take many forms, ranging from interventional systems, to exoskeletons for rehabilitation, and on to autonomous mobile robots in support of hospital intralogistics and more. Although the various types of healthcare robotics systems can differ radically from each other, they typically make use of many of the same types of enabling technologies. That is, enabling technologies suitable for one particular class of products are appropriate and applicable for other types of healthcare robotics products as well. Sessions in the Enabling Technology Track will cover the latest advances in the ‘core’ technology that are common to most classes of healthcare systems.

The development of robots and robotic technology can be extremely difficult as it requires the mastery of multiple disciplines – primarily software development, mechanical and electrical engineering. Robotics development is made even more problematic as real-time constraints during robot operation must be accounted for. But real-time concerns are only the beginning. Healthcare robotics systems typically operate in close approximation to humans, and often must be integrated with other systems in their operating environment. Solution providers have responded to these difficulties by providing a whole host of robotics design and development tools, as well as ready-made robotic ‘platforms’, that dramatically simplify the job of designing, healthcare robotics solutions. Representative topics in the Tools and Platforms Track include:

The design and development of robotics systems is a cross discipline undertaking requiring the synergistic combination of a number of mechanical and electrical technologies, and the integration of the same using smart software. Often these robots must be further integrated with other systems in their environment and be able to communicate with other electronic devices, as well as directly with humans. If this were not difficult enough, some classes of robotics systems must be able to operate autonomously, often in unstructured environments, with little outside control to guide them. It is clear that success for such an endeavor requires a thorough understanding of design goals (and the clear delineation of such), a rigorous development process and an adherence to both de jure and de facto standards whenever possible. Topics covered in the Design and Development Track include:

The healthcare robotics sector is very broad, ranging from complex surgical systems, to rehabilitation devices, pharmacy automation systems, technologies that improve quality of life and much more. Opportunities exist for those companies that can deliver healthcare solutions that are functional and deliver real value at much lower costs that the bulk of systems currently on the market. In very broad terms, these opportunities can be exploited and optimized in three ways:

• First To Market – Entering ‘greenfield’ markets where products, technologies or solutions do not yet exist.
• A Better or ‘Fast Follower’ Solution – Providing products, technologies or solutions that are better than what currently exists in the market (more robust, more effective, less expensive etc.).
• Addressing Technological and Business Challenges – Provide business and technology solutions that that overcome commercialization challenges and ‘gating factors.’

Sessions in the Business Development and Opportunity Track are designed for management level attendees who want to learn about business development, investment and partnership opportunities in the rapidly expanding market opportunity for healthcare automation, lifestyle enhancement and medical robotics products and services. Representative topics in the Business Development and Opportunity Track include: