STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

International Journal of Mobile Computing Technology Original Research

Mobile Robotics in Healthcare: Applications of Drones and Autonomous Vehicles for Medical Supply Delivery

  1. Ushaa Eswaran Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mahalakshmi Tech Campus Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative role of mobile robotics, specifically drones and autonomous vehicles, in enhancing healthcare delivery systems. As the demand for efficient medical supply logistics increases, these technologies present innovative solutions to overcome barriers in remote and underserved areas. We analyze various applications, including emergency medical deliveries, pharmaceutical transportation, and patient monitoring, highlighting the benefits of speed, cost-effectiveness, and reduced human intervention. Through case studies and experimental data, we demonstrate the operational effectiveness of these mobile robotics applications, illustrating their potential to revolutionize healthcare logistics.

Keywords

References (20)

  1. Dube N, Selviaridis K, van Oorschot KE, Jahre M. Riding the waves of uncertainty: Towards strategic agility in medicine supply systems. Journal of Operations Management. 2024;70(8):1234-1260. doi:10.1002/joom.1330
  2. Beitelmal WH, Nwokolo SC, Meyer EL, Ahia CC. Exploring Adaptation Strategies to Mitigate Climate Threats to Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria: Lagos City, as a Case Study. Climate. 2024;12(8):117. doi:10.3390/cli12080117
  3. Stierlin N, Risch M, Risch L. Current Advancements in Drone Technology for Medical Sample Transportation. Logistics. 2024;8(4):104. doi:10.3390/logistics8040104
  4. Gupta P, Srivastava R. Research on Social Enterprises from an Emerging Economy—Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions. Journal of Social Entrepreneurship. 2021;15(2):458-493. doi:10.1080/19420676.2021.1974926
  5. Nertinger S, Kirschner RJ, Naceri A, Haddadin S. Acceptance of Remote Assistive Robots with and without Human-in-the-Loop for Healthcare Applications. International Journal of Social Robotics. 2022;16(6):1131-1150. doi:10.1007/s12369-022-00931-9
  6. Kaplan M, Heaslip K. Literature Synthesis of Emerging Last-Mile Delivery Technologies and their Applications to Rural Areas: Drones, Autonomous Delivery Vehicles, and Truck-Drones. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 2024;2678(12):746-763. doi:10.1177/03611981241248156
  7. Banafaa MK, Pepeoğlu Ö, Shayea I, Alhammadi A, Shamsan ZA, Razaz MA, et al. A Comprehensive Survey on 5G-and-Beyond Networks With UAVs: Applications, Emerging Technologies, Regulatory Aspects, Research Trends and Challenges. IEEE Access. 2024;12:7786-7826. doi:10.1109/access.2023.3349208
  8. Licardo JT, Domjan M, Orehovački T. Intelligent Robotics—A Systematic Review of Emerging Technologies and Trends. Electronics. 2024;13(3):542. doi:10.3390/electronics13030542
  9. Steen R, Håheim‐Saers N, Aukland G. Military unmanned aerial vehicle operations through the lens of a high‐reliability system: Challenges and opportunities. Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy. 2023;15(3):347-373. doi:10.1002/rhc3.12279
  10. Esmaeilzadeh P, Maddah M. Robotic companions and healthy aging: A mixed-methods exploration of older adults’ perspectives and insights. Technol Soc. 2024;78:102689. doi:10.1016/j.techsoc. 2024.102689.
  11. Appiah D, Majeed J. We may still not be ready for newer healthcare technologies: An ethical perspective of privacy concerns. SSRN 4880035. 2024.
  12. Kwe NB, Priyadarshini R. Emerging trends in mobile robots. Robotics and Smart Autonomous Systems. 2024:77-117. doi:10.1201/9781003537083-4
  13. Xiao J, Li Y, Cao Z, Xiao J. Cooperative trucks and drones for rural last-mile delivery with steep roads. Computers & Industrial Engineering. 2024;187:109849. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2023.109849
  14. Shi Z, Zhang J, Shi G, Zhu M, Ji L, Wu Y. Autonomous UAV Safety Oriented Situation Monitoring and Evaluation System. Drones. 2024;8(7):308. doi:10.3390/drones8070308
  15. Cheng C, Adulyasak Y, Rousseau LM. Robust Drone Delivery with Weather Information. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. 2024;26(4):1402-1421. doi:10.1287/msom.2022.0339
  16. Samantarai M, Dutta S. Zipline: Navigating the Rwanda skies to make medical supplies accessible to millions on land. IUP J Supply Chain Manag. 2024;21:53–67.
  17. Jones R, Lu P, Tolliver D. The market potential of autonomous trucks in the United States: An industry review. SSRN 4805920.
  18. Eldabe S, Nevitt S, Copley S, Maden M, Goudman L, Hayek S, et al. Does industry funding and study location impact findings from randomized controlled trials of spinal cord stimulation? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2023;49(4):272-284. doi:10.1136/rapm-2023-104674
  19. Eksioglu SD, Proano RA, Kolter M, Nurre Pinkley S. Designing drone delivery networks for vaccine supply chain: a case study of Niger. IISE Transactions on Healthcare Systems Engineering. 2023;14(3):193-213. doi:10.1080/24725579.2023.2268113
  20. Wiltshire M, Boxshall J, Milne J, Oleniacz K, Theobald K, Phillips B. The effects of drone transportation on blood component quality: A prospective randomised controlled laboratory study. British Journal of Haematology. 2024;205(5):2022-2030. doi:10.1111/bjh.19666