Introduction
In 2024, the medical automation industry will undergo a radical change due to the confluence of macroeconomic factors. Artificial intelligence and robots are changing the way medical care is provided, and the precision and efficiency of medical care are improving. Meanwhile, the pressure from the government is increasing, and the parties need to adopt automation to ensure compliance and improve the safety of patients. In addition, the changes in the behavior of medical consumers, such as the demand for personalized and convenient medical services, have led to the need for medical institutions to use automation. These factors are strategic for the parties, and they need to be mastered in a timely manner, and they need to take a forward-looking view and actively take advantage of automation to improve the outcome and gain a competitive advantage.
Top Trends
- AI-Driven Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnostics. For example, in the case of medical images, Siemens AG has developed a self-learning system that is said to improve the accuracy of diagnosis by 20 per cent. This trend is expected to reduce diagnostic errors, which in turn will lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly important role in the use of data for the prediction of patient outcomes.
- Robotic Surgery Advancements
The use of the surgical robot is becoming more and more common. The Intuitive Surgical robot is the market leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery. It has been estimated that the recovery time after such surgery is cut by up to 50%. This is a revolutionary development in surgery, as it makes for greater precision and shorter hospital stays. In the future, the possibilities of haptic feedback and of using artificial intelligence to assist in surgery are expected to grow.
- Telehealth Integration
During the pandemic of COVID-19, the use of telemedicine has risen sharply, and by 2023 it had reached 38 per cent of patients. Medtronic has used telehealth to monitor chronic conditions remotely, thereby increasing patient compliance. This has changed the way we deliver health care and made it more accessible. It is expected that it will lead to a broader insurance coverage and an integration with wearable health devices in the future.
- Wearable Health Technology
Wearable devices are increasingly used for continuous health monitoring. Becton, Dickinson and Company has developed new sensors that collect real-time data. The firm claims that sixty per cent of consumers are interested in using wearable devices for health monitoring. This trend is improving preventive medicine and personalised medicine. The next step will probably be to combine wearable devices with artificial intelligence to enable more accurate health predictions.
- Automated Medication Management
The use of automatic medicine dispensers has been successful, and the Stryker Company is implementing such systems in hospitals. These systems can reduce the number of medication errors by up to 50 percent and thus increase patient safety. It is a matter of streamlining pharmacy and improving compliance. Artificial intelligence may in the future provide a means of analyzing the individual patient’s regimen and determining whether it is appropriate.
- Blockchain for Data Security
Cryptography is being used to protect medical records. GE has been investing in blockchain solutions to ensure data integrity. According to one report, seventy percent of health care professionals believe that blockchain is a viable solution to the problem of data security. This trend is crucial for maintaining patient trust and for complying with regulations. Future developments could lead to the widespread adoption of a unified system for the secure sharing of data across health care systems.
- Smart Hospital Infrastructure
The concept of the smart hospital is gaining ground. Philips is implementing IoT devices to optimize hospital operations. According to the company’s figures, smart technology can improve operational efficiency by up to 30 percent. The smart hospital is transforming the care environment, making it safer and more comfortable for patients. Future developments could include fully automatic patient management systems and real-time resource allocation.
- 3D Printing in Healthcare
In this field, 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacture of medical devices and prostheses. Tecan is the pioneer in this field. According to studies, it is possible to reduce surgery time by up to 25 per cent by using 3D-printed implants. This trend is enabling the development of individualized medicine and reducing the cost of conventional manufacturing. In the future, it may be possible to print out prostheses and surgical instruments on the spot in hospitals for immediate use.
- Data Analytics for Operational Efficiency
A new study by Danaher has shown that more and more hospitals are using data analytics to improve their operational efficiency. The study shows that data-driven decision-making can improve operational efficiency by up to 15%. This is a crucial trend for resource management and cost control. And the next step may be to use forecasting to predict patient demand and optimize staffing.
- Patient Engagement Platforms
M-Company is developing a series of patient-friendly applications. Statistics show that patients who are engaged in their own care are 30 per cent more likely to stick to their treatment. This trend is leading to greater satisfaction and better results. Future developments may include an AI-based, individualised communication strategy to further increase engagement.
Conclusion: Navigating the Medical Automation Landscape
In 2024, the automation of medical devices will be characterized by intense competition and a high degree of fragmentation. The market will be dominated by both traditional and new players. In the regions, the focus will be on the development of solutions based on automation and artificial intelligence, especially in North America and Europe, where the regulatory framework is becoming increasingly conducive to innovation. The strategic positioning of suppliers is based on the ability to adapt to the constantly changing needs of health care. In this respect, the new players are gaining ground through the establishment of new niches and the development of new, cutting-edge technology. Artificial intelligence, automation and flexibility will be decisive for market leadership and long-term success in this constantly changing environment.