Podiatrists

So far, automation in podiatry mostly looks like smart tools that assist the doctor. For instance, some clinics now use 3D foot scanners and 3D printing to make custom shoe insoles or braces: the podiatrist takes a digital scan, software designs the support, and a printer makes it ^[1]. This speeds up making orthopedic devices, but a podiatrist still checks the fit.

In foot surgery, AI and robotics are mainly in the experimental stage. Experts note that AI can help surgeons with imaging and planning to reduce errors, but always under human control ^[1]. In short, today’s AI augments podiatrists by doing parts of image analysis or manufacturing, but it doesn’t automate the doctor’s core medical decisions ^{[1] [1]}.

Other factors affect how quickly podiatrists use AI. Healthcare has strict safety rules: any new AI must be tested and often approved by regulators. Doctors and patients also tend to trust human judgment more than a computer.

In fact, an orthopedic journal notes that AI has the potential to improve care but stresses that it must help reduce errors, not create them ^[1]. This cautious approach means podiatry offices will try new tools carefully. On the upside, if AI systems prove they can catch foot problems earlier or make treatments more effective, clinics will adopt them.

Overall, many podiatry tasks – especially those that need a person’s touch, decision-making, and experience – are likely to remain human-led ^{[1] [1]}. Young people should remember that empathy, physical exams, and professional judgment are hard for AI to mimic, so podiatrists’ essential role is still secure even as they gain helpful AI assistants.