Forget autonomous cars. How about self-guided robots in hospitals? It’s reality, at least for one healthcare institution: Humber River Hospital in northwest Toronto.
The new 1.8 million-sf hospital, which opened in October 2015, is loaded with high-tech gadgets—smart bed technology, robotics for surgical procedures, automated laboratory processing, bedside computer screens—to enhance patient care delivery and improve efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and safety.
Its coolest innovation is the use of automated guided vehicles (AGV) to distribute a host of items throughout the 13-story facility, including medical equipment, linens, and food. The hospital’s 10 AGVs move at the speed of an average person walking, and are programmed to call elevators, open doors, pick up loaded carts, and determine the best timing of each delivery based on their location, the priority level of the call, and the time of day. The robots use 238 custom-built carts to carry food and supplies throughout the hospital.
What happens when patients or staff members come into contact with an AGV? Just like in the movies, they are programmed to assimilate. The vehicles stop for people crossing in front of them. If a path is blocked, they will politely ask people to move (yes, they can speak) or send an alert to logistics to have someone clear the path. Digital signage notifies staff when an AGV is approaching in an adjacent hallway.
On the Building Team: Plenary Health and HCP Social Infrastructure (developers), HDR (architect, healthcare consultant), Johnson Controls (facilities management), and PCL (GC).
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Virtual care facility serves remote patients, may reduce readmissions
Mercy’s new high-tech medical center equips its medical professionals to deliver care at the bedside of patients anywhere.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
11 great solutions for the commercial construction market
A roll-up emergency department, next-gen telemedicine center, and biophilic cooling pods are among the AEC industry’s clever ideas and novel innovations for 2016.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
13 great solutions for commercial construction
As these 13 innovations for the AEC marketplace demonstrate, sometimes a problem can be a good thing.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Digitally fabricated concrete formwork pushes the limits of what can be cost-effectively constructed in concrete
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and CW Keller use 3D modeling and CNC machining to advance concrete construction.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Sasaki Associates develops simple yet novel solution for precast concrete complication
Its double-angle cladding anchor maintains the air/water/vapor barrier integrity and continuous insulation while still allowing for the desired versatility of precast panels.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Porcelanosa’s solid-surface product, Krion, used to create an elegant retractable ceiling for NY showroom
Typically used for countertops, vanities, and furniture, Krion was used to make 39 panels covering 1,300 sf of ceiling space above the showroom.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Skanska’s new app helps construction teams monitor and meet environmental quality standards while renovating hospitals
App allows users to track noise, differential pressure levels, vibration, and dust
Great Solutions | Jan 19, 2016
Concrete innovation: voided biaxial slab slashes weight, saves concrete
System reduces slab dead load by 30% on medical clinic project
Great Solutions | Jan 19, 2016
Healing garden doubles as therapy trails
A Boston-area hospital takes the healing garden to the next level.
Great Solutions | Jan 14, 2016
WWII watchtower turned into ‘land yacht’
Architect Siemasko + Verbridge and contractor Windover Construction transformed a coastal wartime observation post into an amenity-filled guesthouse.