As the coronavirus epidemic turned into a full-fledged pandemic in early 2020, resulting in the closure of countless enterprises, robot manufacturers found themselves in an unprecedented circumstance, with many reporting an increase in orders. Robots don’t require masks, are readily sterilized, and, most importantly, don’t get sick. Since then, a global army of robots has been dispatched to aid with the problem. The role of robots includes tracking patients, sterilizing clinics, supplies are being prepared, and emergency medical personnel are being trained to avoid viral contact. Not all robots are self-contained; in fact, many require direct human supervision and are limited to simple, repetitive activities.

The fascinating thing is that the COVID-induced forced reevaluation of systems and procedures is resulting in a long-term reevaluation of automation in healthcare, thereby extending the role of robots. By removing interaction points between patients and employees, robots can help health systems increase efficiency and improve care while also protecting patients and workers. From front desks to surgical rooms to outpatient settings, hospitals are strewn with chances for smart automation. Companies like BIONIK, which specializes in rehabilitation, and Diligent Robotics, which develops Moxi, a helper robot that can pick up the slack for medical staff, are well aware of the possibilities.

COVID-19, according to The Conversation, will hopefully speed up the adoption of existing robots and their adaption to new niches, but it may also lead to the development of new robots. Automation in laboratories and supply chains is emerging as a previously neglected possibility. Automating the COVID-19 test processing, which presently relies on a few labs and specially qualified staff, might eliminate some of the present delays in many parts of the United States. Automation isn’t especially interesting, but it’s a valuable application, just like the unglamorous disinfecting robots that are currently in use. When the next pandemic strikes, if government and business have finally learned from previous tragedies, more humdrum robots will be ready to operate alongside front-line health care workers.