Medical Equipment Preparers

Medical equipment preparers use some computerized tools today, but most of the hands-on work still needs people. For example, hospitals track supplies with inventory software (like Pyxis or MEDITECH systems) that alert staff when stock is low ^[1]. Researchers note AI could make these systems smarter (improving stock forecasts and cutting errors) ^[2].

In practice, much paperwork has moved to tablets or databases. For cleaning instruments, most hospitals still rely on technicians loading washers and autoclaves by hand. However, some robots have started to help: for instance, an autonomous cart robot (the MiR100) now carries carts of sterile trays around big hospitals ^[3].

During COVID-19, UV disinfection robots became common for cleaning rooms and equipment; demand for these sanitizing robots jumped almost 12-fold recently ^[4]. These machines let staff focus on important tasks, but people still check machine logs and inspect equipment.

AI and robots will move into sterile processing slowly because of cost and safety rules. Hospitals run on tight budgets, so expensive robots must show clear benefit before buying them. On the other hand, shortages of staff and infection concerns (especially after COVID) push hospitals to try new tech.

For example, UV cleaning robots spread because they quickly cut germs ^[4]. Studies find that having the right technology and data is key for using AI successfully in supply chains ^[2]. In medicine, any automated tool must be very reliable – one mistake could hurt patients.

That means hospitals take their time testing new systems.