In the next 15 years, nearly 40 percent of jobs in the U.S. are at risk of being replaced by robots and artificial intelligence. Fortunately, the health professional occupations are much less at risk than many other occupations, as you will be working directly with people. Therefore, you have chosen an occupation that is not is not threatened by robot technology, as there will always be a need for direct care of patients.

It is difficult to predict the future, but technology has infiltrated healthcare and you will likely be working with robots in some capacity. An interesting use of robotic technology is the introduction of remote-controlled humanoids called “Telenoid” in a nursing home in March of 2017 in Japan. The nearly life size plush doll is only a torso and head and is considered minimalistic human. A nursing home patient can hold Telenoid and a family member remotely uses their tablet or laptop and speaks to the camera. The camera relays the family member’s voice and movements through Telenoid simulating having a more virtual conversation. Telenoid provides tactile sensations and early feedback indicates it is therapeutic for the patients, especially those with dementia. The cost is $8,700 to purchase Telenoid and $435 per month for rental.

Engineers at Georgia Tech have developed a robot that will give elderly patients bed baths, a task that is normally performed by a nurse or family member. A Japanese research team has developed a robot that can lift up or set down a real human and transfer them between the bed and wheelchair.