Physicians in the UK demonstrated last week how a 5G technology “robo-glove” could allow paramedics to diagnose medical problems more quickly, reported CNN Health.
The glove can conduct remote controlled ultrasound scans in an ambulance or at the scene of an accident and relay real-time results to a hospital by operating over a 5G public network. “The superfast speeds of 5G ensure sharper and more reliable imagery for the clinician than could previously be achieved,” according to University Hospitals Birmingham, which teamed up with telecoms BT and delivery consortium West Midlands 5G, on the robo-glove.
How does the robo-glove work? A clinician in a remote location can operate the glove with a joystick. The wearer, typically a paramedic, will feel small vibrations, guiding the glove to the appropriate position on the patient to capture an ultrasound. Ambulances will also be equipped with cameras to transmit a real-time view to the clinician, according to CNN.
“5G has the potential to help us provide better care, at the patient’s side, and provide increasingly diverse treatment plans for patients,” added Craig Cooke, Strategic Operations Director at the West Midlands Ambulance Service. Although 5G is not yet available in the UK, the country’s largest mobile carrier, EE, began trialing the next generation network across several regions in May.
July 2, 2019
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