Hancock Health has launched a groundbreaking robot named “Otto” at its main hospital in Greenfield, Indiana, marking a significant advancement in healthcare technology. This robot is the first of its kind in the United States, designed to streamline operations by delivering specimens efficiently across various departments.
Otto operates through a partnership between Hancock Health and Arrive AI, a technology firm based in Fishers, Indiana, in collaboration with California-based Ottonomy Inc. This innovative solution allows for asynchronous delivery, which means that the robot can autonomously pick up and drop off items without human intervention. Rob Johnston, field applications engineer and chief pilot at Arrive AI, explained, “This is the first hospital in the nation to have a robot that interacts with a smart autonomous enclosure.”
The robot uses advanced mapping technology to navigate the hospital, significantly reducing the time staff spend on routine tasks. Staff members unlock the robot’s designated “arrive points” using their badges, allowing them to drop off specimens with minimal effort. Johnston noted that the system saves about a quarter-mile of walking for staff, enhancing overall productivity.
Clinical medical assistant Megan Mellene from the Cancer Center expressed how Otto has transformed her team’s workflow. “It was about six to seven minutes that it took from our office all the way here and back, so that took away a lot of time,” she stated. The robot now enables her team to spend more quality time with patients, as the delivery process has been reduced to just one minute.
Hancock Health leaders view the introduction of Otto as just the beginning of a broader initiative. Matt Browning, the chief administrative officer at Hancock Health, remarked, “We certainly see a lot of other opportunities in different departments, food delivery, and even considering using this type of technology in our off-site campuses.” The health network aims to expand the technology across its more than 30 locations in east-central Indiana.
Dan Lareau, Director of Customer Success at Arrive AI, emphasized the potential of automation to address systemic challenges in healthcare, such as staffing shortages and financial constraints. “All hospitals are facing financial challenges, so efficiency as robots, drones, and other vehicles become more and more affordable, then the payback is much quicker,” Lareau noted. He added that optimizing the valuable time of nurses and technicians is crucial for improving patient care.
Since its rollout in April 2023, Otto has already begun saving staff up to 15 minutes each day on trips to the lab. Mellene highlighted the positive impact on her team’s day-to-day operations, stating, “It really does make a huge difference in our office.”
As Hancock Health continues to innovate with technology like Otto, the health network aims to set a precedent for the integration of robotics in healthcare, paving the way for future advancements that could further enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
