A drone under development at the University of Cincinnati would fly inside patients' homes to deliver medical supplies.
University of Cincinnati engineers and healthcare academicians are building a semi-autonomous telehealth drone to improve access to medical care for homebound patients in remote or underserved areas.
The drones, which are still in the developmental stage, will be big enough carry medicine or supplies directly to patients inside their homes, but small enough to maneuver in constricted confines using navigation algorithms the UC engineers are designing.
"Most drones rely on controllers that work on radio communication and require line-of-sight for safe, remote operation," said Manish Kumar a professor of mechanical engineering at UC, and one of several inventors working on the project.
"Thatโs why most drones have limited operational range. If you want beyond line-of-sight control, you need some autonomous capabilities," he said.
Using cameras and a display screen, the drones will allow patients to speak with their providers from their homes. The prototype carries a waterproof box the size of a small first-aid kit to deliver medical supplies or collect self-administered lab tests.
The UC engineers are also developing autonomous systems that combine artificial intelligence with sensors that allow drones to navigate complex three-dimensional environments, such as inside a patient's home.
Kumar has been experimenting with sensors in a "smart house" to develop aids for older or disabled residents in a partnership with Maple Knoll, Inc., a nursing home, independent living, assisted living and rehabilitative care provider.
The project is a collaboration between UC's College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences and College of Engineering and Applied Science.
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The drones, which are still in the developmental stage, will be big enough carry medicine or supplies directly to patients inside their homes, but small enough to maneuver in constricted confines using navigation algorithms the UC engineers are designing.
Using cameras and a display screen, the drones will allow patients to speak with their providers from their homes. The prototype carries a waterproof box the size of a small first-aid kit to deliver medical supplies or collect self-administered lab tests.