The Role of Biomedical Engineering in Robotics

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Nov 17 2024

Biomedical engineering and robotics are changing the face of healthcare, combining the best of technology and human biology to solve real-world medical challenges. By blending engineering with the precision and intelligence of robotics, this collaboration is opening up exciting new possibilities for the future of medicine.

Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

Why is Biomedical Engineering Vital for Robotic Innovation?

The partnership between biomedical engineering and robotics is solving some of healthcare’s toughest challenges. Together, they are creating systems that enhance precision, efficiency, and safety while expanding access to advanced medical care.

What is Bionic Engineering?

Precision and Personalization in Care

Biomedical engineering is a cornerstone of precision medicine, enabling robotic systems to cater to individual patient needs. Engineers leverage physiological data to develop technologies like personalized prosthetics and adaptive rehabilitation robots, designed to deliver tailored care. For instance:

• Adaptive robotic prosthetics use real-time sensory feedback to adjust grip strength or walking patterns, ensuring comfort and functionality.
• Neuromodulation therapies combine robotics with wearable sensors to monitor neural activity and deliver targeted interventions, enhancing recovery outcomes.

These technologies align with the core goal of precision medicine: to offer treatments optimized for each patient’s unique physiological profile.

Improving Patient Safety

Robotics minimizes human error, a crucial factor in improving patient safety. Robotic-assisted surgeries like those performed with the da Vinci Surgical System enhance precision by translating surgeon inputs into micrometer-scale movements, reducing risks such as tissue damage and infections. Moreover, diagnostic robots:

• Use AI-enhanced imaging to pinpoint abnormalities with greater accuracy.
• Enable safer biopsy procedures through robotic needle guidance systems, which reduce complications and improve diagnostic yield.

These systems exemplify how robotics can set new standards for safety and reliability in healthcare.¹

Streamlining Healthcare Operations

Biomedical robotics is redefining efficiency in healthcare by automating routine tasks. Robots equipped with machine learning algorithms and sensors optimize hospital operations by:

• Delivering medications and supplies autonomously, reducing delays.
• Using smart inventory systems to manage medical stock levels in real time.
• Cleaning and sterilizing environments with precision to lower infection rates.

By taking over these time-consuming activities, robotics allows healthcare professionals to focus on patient care and critical decision-making.¹

Expanding Access to Healthcare

Portable robotic systems are closing gaps in healthcare for underserved populations. Innovations like low-cost, mobile diagnostic robots and telemedicine-enabled systems are bringing advanced care to remote areas. For example:

• Telepresence robots equipped with diagnostic tools enable doctors to examine patients virtually, providing care in regions with limited medical infrastructure.
• Affordable prosthetics, developed using cost-effective materials and 3D printing, are making mobility aids accessible to a broader population.¹

Robotics in Healthcare: An Introduction

Key Areas of Impact

Surgical Robotics

Surgical robots have redefined minimally invasive procedures, offering surgeons unmatched control and precision. Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System enhance visualization and dexterity, translating a surgeon’s movements into precise actions. These innovations lead to reduced trauma, faster recovery times, and minimal scarring, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and delivering a better overall experience for patients.

Emerging systems are also leveraging AI for complex tasks. For instance, robotic suturing systems now use machine learning to optimize knot strength and placement in real-time, reducing procedure times and improving outcomes.

Prosthetics and Exoskeletons

Prosthetics and exoskeletons are redefining mobility for individuals facing physical challenges, blending advanced technology with human adaptability. These devices incorporate state-of-the-art sensors and actuators to deliver natural movement and dynamic support:

• Bionic limbs, such as the LUKE Arm, leverage myoelectric sensors to detect and translate electrical signals from muscles into precise movements, enabling fine motor control and enhancing functionality.
• Exoskeletons, like the EksoNR and ReWalk, utilize inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force sensors to monitor posture and adjust motor output in real time, ensuring optimal support and balance.

Clinical studies have shown a huge improvement in gait symmetry and significant reductions in rehabilitation time for exoskeleton users compared to traditional therapies, demonstrating their effectiveness in restoring independence and mobility.

Robotic Rehabilitation Systems

Rehabilitation robotics is revolutionizing physical therapy with personalized, adaptive care. Systems like the Lokomat are advancing recovery by:

• Using robotic exoskeletons to guide gait training, ensuring consistent movement patterns.
• Integrating force-feedback sensors to adapt therapy intensity in real time.
• Combining virtual reality environments with rehabilitation exercises to improve patient motivation and engagement.

These technologies deliver data-driven insights, allowing therapists to refine treatment plans for optimal recovery outcomes.

Diagnostics and Imaging

Robotic systems are also driving advancements in diagnostics and imaging, making processes more accurate and less invasive. For instance:

• Robotic-assisted biopsy devices precisely target tissues, improving diagnostic accuracy while minimizing patient discomfort.
• Capsule endoscopes, such as PillCam, provide high-resolution internal imaging as they navigate through the digestive tract autonomously.
• AI-enhanced imaging systems analyze radiological scans to detect early signs of disease and predict patient outcomes with greater reliability.

These innovations are streamlining diagnostic workflows, enabling earlier disease detection and more personalized treatment strategies.

Assistive Robots for Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Assistive robots are revolutionizing care for elderly and disabled individuals by providing comprehensive support across multiple domains.These robots assist with mobility challenges, medication management, personal care routines, and even companionship. They integrate AI, sensors, and speech recognition for personalized interactions that adapt to individual needs, ensuring a user-friendly experience. By providing reliable support, these technologies enhance independence and quality of life for users while alleviating some of the burdens on caregivers.

As these assistive technologies continue to evolve, we expect them to become increasingly sophisticated in understanding user preferences and adapting their behaviors accordingly.^2,3

New Frontiers in Biomedical Robotics

Biomedical robotics is rapidly evolving, branching into a number of new fields that extend far beyond traditional healthcare applications. From drug discovery to remote healthcare and regenerative medicine, these advancements are reshaping the future of medical science.

Robotic Systems in Drug Discovery

Biomedical engineering and robotics are revolutionizing the drug discovery process, making it faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. Automated robotic systems are being used to perform high-throughput screening of drug candidates, analyzing thousands of compounds in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. Coupled with artificial intelligence, these robots can process complex biological data to predict the efficacy and safety of potential drugs.⁴

These systems not only accelerate the initial screening process but also contribute to more accurate predictions of drug interactions and side effects. By integrating machine learning algorithms, robotic systems can identify patterns and correlations in vast datasets that might be overlooked by human researchers. This synergy between robotics and AI is streamlining the drug development pipeline, potentially reducing the time and cost of bringing new medications to market.

Telepresence Robotics in Remote Healthcare

Telepresence robots are also bridging the gap in healthcare access, enabling real-time interaction between doctors and patients in remote or underserved areas. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and diagnostic tools, these robots allow healthcare providers to examine, diagnose, and treat patients without physical proximity.⁵

The importance of telepresence robotics was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where this technology ensured continuity of care while minimizing exposure risks. Beyond pandemic response, these robots are proving invaluable in providing specialist care to rural areas, conducting remote surgical consultations, and monitoring patients in intensive care units. As technology advances, we can expect to see more sophisticated telepresence robots capable of performing basic medical procedures under remote guidance.

Biohybrid Robots for Regenerative Medicine

Biohybrid robotics represents an exciting frontier in regenerative medicine, integrating living tissues with robotic systems to achieve functions that neither could accomplish alone. These innovations have the potential to repair or replace damaged tissues, offering new solutions for conditions previously deemed untreatable.⁶

Researchers are exploring biohybrid robots that mimic the movement and behavior of heart muscles, paving the way for breakthroughs in cardiac rehabilitation and tissue regeneration. This technology could lead to the development of more advanced prosthetics that integrate seamlessly with the human body or even to the creation of artificial organs that combine biological and mechanical components.

Key Challenges in Biomedical Robotics

Despite biomedical robotics' immense potential, several significant challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption and effectiveness in healthcare settings. These challenges span technical, economic, ethical, and social domains and require collaborative efforts from engineers, medical professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to overcome.

High Costs and Limited Accessibility

One of the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of biomedical robotics is the high cost associated with their development, implementation, and maintenance. The rigorous testing and regulatory compliance required for medical devices contributes significantly to these expenses. Consequently, advanced robotic systems often remain out of reach for many healthcare facilities, particularly in low-income regions or smaller hospitals with limited budgets. To address this challenge, efforts should focus on:^1-3

• Developing more cost-effective manufacturing processes
• Exploring modular designs that allow for scalability and upgrades
• Creating financial models or subsidies to make these technologies more accessible to a broader range of healthcare providers

Integration with Existing Healthcare Infrastructure

Integrating robotic systems into existing healthcare environments also poses significant logistical and technical hurdles. Many hospitals lack the necessary infrastructure, both in terms of physical space and technical capabilities, to seamlessly incorporate advanced robotic technologies. This challenge is compounded by the need for specialized training for healthcare professionals to operate and maintain these systems effectively. Strategies to overcome this challenge include:^1-3

• Designing more compact and versatile robotic systems
• Developing user-friendly interfaces that require minimal training
• Creating standardized protocols for integration with existing hospital systems

Ethical and Legal Concerns

The integration of robotics into healthcare brings incredible opportunities but also raises important ethical and legal challenges that need thoughtful attention. Protecting patient data is a top priority, as these systems handle sensitive medical information, and questions arise about how much autonomy robots should have when making medical decisions.

There is also the matter of accountability—if something goes wrong, who is responsible? On top of this, the increasing use of robotics sparks concerns about job displacement, as automation could impact healthcare roles. To navigate these issues, we need clear ethical guidelines, legal frameworks to define accountability, and open conversations with the public to address concerns and build trust in these transformative technologies.^1-3

Technical Challenges in Human-Robot Interaction

Designing biomedical robots that can safely and effectively work with the human body comes with several significant challenges. One key hurdle is creating materials that are compatible with the body and can function over time without causing harm. These robots also need to be incredibly precise and responsive to adapt to the body’s constantly changing environment. On top of that, they must have intuitive interfaces so that both patients and healthcare providers can use them easily and effectively.

Overcoming these challenges requires continued research into advanced materials and sensors, close teamwork between roboticists, bioengineers, and medical experts, and thorough testing to ensure they are both safe and reliable.^1-3

Regulatory Hurdles

The medical device industry operates under strict regulations, and robotic systems face even higher scrutiny due to their complexity and the potential risks involved. These strict requirements can make navigating the regulatory landscape a lengthy and costly process, often slowing down innovation and delaying the introduction of new technologies to the market.

To address this, regulatory bodies should aim to streamline approval processes for robotic medical devices without compromising on safety standards. Developers, in turn, should prioritize early and consistent engagement with regulators to ensure compliance throughout the development lifecycle. International collaboration is also essential to harmonize regulatory standards across regions, reducing barriers to global adoption.^1-3

Latest Research and Developments

Recent advances in biomedical robotics are addressing some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges, with innovative solutions offering new hope for patients and practitioners alike.

In one study published in MDPI Sensors, a novel approach to lower-limb rehabilitation for post-stroke patients was presented. Addressing the challenge of tailoring therapies to individual needs, the researchers combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with a motor imagery (MI)-based brain-computer interface (BCI), virtual reality (VR), and a motorized pedal end-effector. Together, these elements form a closed-loop system designed to boost cortical excitability and improve recovery outcomes.

By enabling patients to control the pedal with brain signals targeting the foot, the system showed remarkable results: improved motor function, enhanced coordination, and better sensory feedback. EEG analysis also highlighted significant modulation in Mu, low beta, and high beta rhythms, further validating its potential to advance neuromuscular rehabilitation techniques.⁷

Another challenge in robotics is creating systems that balance precision with patient comfort, particularly in diagnostics. A study in Frontiers in Robotics and AI tackled this by introducing a soft robot inspired by earthworm locomotion, designed for colon sampling. Its flexible structure allows it to navigate narrow, soft environments while minimizing discomfort.

Equipped with a trunk-like arm for bidirectional sample collection, the robot was tested in a colon-like setting, where it demonstrated smooth movement and precise sampling. This patient-friendly innovation offers a promising alternative to traditional gastroscopy, making procedures for colorectal cancer diagnosis safer and less invasive.⁸

These studies highlight how targeted, innovative solutions are addressing the challenges facing biomedical robotics. By combining advanced technologies with patient-centered design, researchers are paving the way for more effective and accessible healthcare solutions.

Why Are Medical Robots Important For the Future of Healthcare?

Future Prospects and Conclusions

The future of biomedical robotics is set to transform healthcare in ways we are only beginning to imagine. With advancements in artificial intelligence, we are moving towards robotic systems that do not just assist but actively enhance care—offering precise diagnoses, making eal-time decisions, and adapting to the specific needs of patients. These technologies could fundamentally change how we approach treatment, making care faster, smarter, and more responsive.

Exciting progress is also being made in biocompatible robotics—machines designed to work in harmony with the human body. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize medicine, from acting as artificial organs to supporting tissue repair and regeneration. What is even more promising is the push to make these technologies more affordable. By lowering production costs, we can ensure that advanced robotics are not just for the few but become tools that improve care for communities everywhere, including those currently underserved.

Biomedical robotics has already made huge strides, from precision surgery to tailored rehabilitation systems. But the future holds even more potential. It is not just about making healthcare more efficient or high-tech—it is about changing lives. As these innovations become more widely available, they have the power to make healthcare smarter, more effective, and inclusive.

References and Further Reading

1. Javaid, M. et al. (2023). Sustaining the healthcare systems through the conceptual of biomedical engineering: A study with recent and future potentials. Biomedical Technology, 1, 39-47. DOI:10.1016/j.bmt.2022.11.004. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949723X2200006X
2. Medical and Healthcare Robotics: New Paradigms and Recent Advances. (2023). United Kingdom: Elsevier Science. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/_/P_fNEAAAQBAJ
3. Boubaker, O. (2020). Medical robotics. In Control Theory in Biomedical Engineering (pp. 153–204). Elsevier. DOI:10.1016/b978-0-12-821350-6.00007-x. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978012821350600007X
4. Aldewachi, H. et al. (2021). High-Throughput Screening Platforms in the Discovery of Novel Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Bioengineering, 8(2), 30. DOI:10.3390/bioengineering8020030. https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/8/2/30
5.  Wang, M. et al. (2022). Telepresence robots to support telehealth during pandemics. Digital Medicine, 8(1), 30. DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_15_22. https://journals.lww.com/dm/fulltext/2022/08010/Telepresence_robots_to_support_telehealth_during.30.aspx
6. Gao, L. et al. (2020). Recent progress in engineering functional biohybrid robots actuated by living cells. Acta Biomaterialia. DOI:10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.002. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1742706120307078
7. Lima, J. P. S. et al. (2023). Unraveling Transformative Effects after tDCS and BCI Intervention in Chronic Post-Stroke Patient Rehabilitation—An Alternative Treatment Design Study. Sensors, 23(23), 9302. DOI:10.3390/s23239302. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/23/9302
8. Li, G. et al. (2024). Development of an earthworm-based soft robot for colon sampling. Frontiers in Robotics and AI. DOI:10.3389/frobt.2024.1309220. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/robotics-and-ai/articles/10.3389/frobt.2024.1309220/full

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