Doctors Test Humanoid Robot for Use in Elder Care
December 6, 2021
Beyond Imagination, which develops general-purpose robotics systems, has announced a collaboration with Dr. David Wensel at the TRU PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Center in Lafayette, Colorado to conduct real-world tests of its newly completed, fully functional Version 1.0 of the robot known as Beomni. The company said this is the first public trail of Beomni, an advanced humanoid robot, that includes an evolving AI brain that aims to take tele-medicine to the next level.
The pilot study, which ran from Nov. 9 to 12, consisted of Beomni interacting with medical personnel and clients at the center. The purpose of the pilot was to leverage capabilities of the robot to perform tasks relevant to medical care scenarios, specifically for those related to assisted living facilities, the company said. The robot utilizes augmented and virtual reality equipment for operators to teleoperate the Beomni robot in a different location.
“Beomni impressed and delighted both staff and clients alike and exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Dr. Wensel, who is chief medical officer at TRU Community Care and an expert in hospice, palliative care, and home health. “We are looking forward to further studies with Beomni in the PACE health network because I believe that Beomni will play a big role in the future health of our seniors.”
Harry Kloor, the founder of Beyond Imagination, added “We are excited that PACE sees the almost limitless potential of our humanoid robots in healthcare and agreed to run this first pilot study with us.”
The company’s robots are operated via a human partnership with an “AI brain” that augments and enhances human capabilities. This AI includes multiple “lobes,” each related to a specific skill set or set of skills that the robot can perform. Kloor said Beomni will provide continuity of care through its Beyond Whole Health turnkey clinic solutions. This idea will allow people to see their own physicians where they shop, work, and live. The company said ultimately, Beyond Whole Health will be available in homes, “finally allowing doctors to make house calls once again.”
Dr. Wensel said that personnel shortages negatively influence his medical practice. With the Beomni platform, it will be possible to deliver better care, more quickly, to more locations, enabling his practice to serve patients more efficiently. “I believe in this technology because it will allow our practice to be more cost effective, deliver better healthcare faster, and most importantly improve the quality of life for all of our patients,” said Dr. Wensel.
Beyond Imagination said it is actively seeking investors for its Seed 2 round, with details provided to qualified investors upon request. The company is also seeking additional partners for pilot studies in medicine and beyond. For more information, visit the company’s website here.
