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Machine Learning and Advances in Medical Automation Equipment

Advances in automation and technology are revolutionizing the modern medical world. It is estimated that AI applications can cut annual US healthcare costs by USD 150 billion by 2026. Cutting costs, improving diagnostics, and monitoring patient health are just a few ways that new technology is making healthcare easier and more accessible. But what does this mean for manufacturers in the medical field?

In this article, we explore how recent innovations in machine learning and medical automation equipment are having remarkable effects on the general medical industry, and what that might mean for the future of medical manufacturing.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning refers to artificial intelligence that uses data and algorithms to gradually increase its accuracy. Exposed to large amounts of data over time, it appears like these AI are “learning” much as a human would. In reality, their algorithms allow them to sort information and come to clearer conclusions the more data they process.

Anomaly detection is a great application of machine learning in healthcare. Incorporating millions of medical data points, AI will soon be able to detect symptoms outside common patterns, allowing doctors to correctly diagnose patients and arrive at proper plans of treatment with fewer errors.

Impactful Advances in Automated Medical Technology

There have been a multitude of impactful technological advances in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence in recent years (including machine learning), and these automated systems offer exciting opportunities for improvement in the medical industry.

As we mentioned above, machine learning has led to critical advancements for medical diagnostics. Diagnostic errors currently account for 40,000-80,000 U.S. deaths annually. Automated systems and AI have the ability to decrease diagnostic errors and save lives. More correct diagnoses will also save doctors and diagnosticians significant amounts of time which can be reallocated to patient care and recovery.

Machine learning is also used in generative design — an explorative and iterative design process that can quickly and accurately generate multiple creative solutions. Combined with advances in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, generative design can create mathematically optimal topography that can be easily and accurately produced. These technologies create the possibility for cost-effective and custom-automated medical device and orthosis assembly.

Automated systems also allow for increased patient monitoring. Medicine becomes more accessible when patients’ vitals can be supervised at home and remotely delivered to their medical professionals, improving frail elderly people’s health care outcomes. Personal monitoring by artificially intelligent medical devices also has great potential for the advanced detection of medical issues.

A Healthcare Revolution

All these innovations are changing the landscape of what seems possible in the medical industry. Customer care and manufacturing processes are becoming more efficient and accurate through the use of automated solutions and artificial intelligence.

Automation creates consistency and the potential to offer high-quality care free of bias and human error. In the medical field, these upgrades can save lives and aid doctors in making well-informed decisions. From the optimal design of manufactured medical equipment to using AI as a diagnostic, surgical, and accessibility aid, automation is improving the healthcare system daily.

In addition to machine learning for diagnostics, pharmaceutical and medical automation equipment is the cutting-edge technology poised to revolutionize healthcare. Summit Engineered Automation equipment is designed and customized with each individual project in mind. Offering innovative solutions to common production problems, Summit has the engineering expertise to make your automation goals efficient and effective realities.

Learn more about medical automation equipment and contact Summit Engineered Automation today to begin discussing your specific needs, goals, and projects.