An Italian hospital is testing an artificial intelligence-powered robot designed to assist healthcare workers by taking over routine tasks, highlighting the growing role of robotics in addressing labour shortages and reshaping the future of healthcare.
The 1.2-metre-tall robot, named “Alter-Ego”, is currently undergoing trials at Milan’s Maugeri Hospital, where it supports patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Developed through a collaboration between the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of Pisa, the robot can perform basic duties such as delivering water, guiding patients to treatment areas and acting as a remote presence for doctors.
Patients can also communicate their needs through a screen mounted on the robot’s chest, allowing nurses to receive information in real time.
The pilot programme, which began in April, is part of a broader effort to explore how AI and robotics can complement healthcare professionals rather than replace them.
Currently operated remotely by a human controller, Alter-Ego is expected to begin autonomous operations in July.
Healthcare experts say hospitals are filled with repetitive, time-consuming tasks that could be delegated to machines, allowing doctors and nurses to spend more time on direct patient care.
“This would allow us to better value human beings by giving them more time to focus on maintaining a human relationship with patients,” said Christian Lunetta, director of the hospital’s neuromotor rehabilitation department.
Researchers emphasised that robots will not replace critical medical responsibilities such as administering medication or making clinical decisions. Instead, they are intended to serve as support systems that enhance efficiency and reduce caregiver burden.
The project also envisions future applications beyond hospitals, with AI-powered robots potentially assisting patients and caregivers at home as demand for long-term care rises.
The trial reflects a broader global trend of increasing investment in AI-driven healthcare technologies, as ageing populations and persistent staffing shortages push healthcare systems to seek more sustainable solutions.
While fully autonomous medical robots remain a long-term goal, experts believe current experiments will help define the boundaries of what robots can and should do in patient care.