MILTON | A Helper Robot Concept for NHS
An autonomous robotic assistant designed to revolutionize internal hospital transportation and communication systems, addressing critical logistical challenges in healthcare environments.
Scope
Concept Design, Product Design
Role
Concept Designer
Client
The Academy of Robotics
Year
2022
Overview
How might we design an autonomous helper robot to be more intuitive and less intimidating for patients of all ages, especially children and the elderly?
The Milton Helper Bot represents an innovative healthcare robotics solution developed through a strategic collaboration between The Academy of Robotics and Milton Keynes University Hospital (NHS). As the Concept Designer, I played a pivotal role in conceptualising an autonomous robot designed to revolutionise hospital internal logistics.
Problem
The internal logistics management challenges faced by Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) caught the attention of The Academy of Robotics. The hospital wanted to make the
Distribution of medicines and supplies more efficient,
Reduce staff workload, and
Minimize errors.
Process
The Academy of Robotics realised that developing an autonomous helper robot could be the solution to automate hospital logistics. At this point, they brought me in as a Concept Designer. We discovered that by combining robotics technology with user-friendly design, we could create an innovative solution that would both increase efficiency and seamlessly integrate into the hospital environment.
As a Concept Designer, I took the following steps:
Gathered project goals from The Academy of Robotics team
Developed initial concept designs with innovative features
Prepared concepts for design thinking workshops
Subsequently:
Analysed workshop outcomes and stakeholder feedback
Refined concepts based on research findings
Developed a final concept closely aligned with the implemented design
Solutions
The outcome of my contribution and team's efforts was a significant contribution to the development of the "Milton" Helper Bot concept. Key achievements include:
My design was selected as one of the top 5 finalists from hundreds of applicants in a competition run by Academy of Robotics.
The design concept I submitted was among the final 5 shortlisted by the hospital staff at a leading UK NHS hospital trust.
My work demonstrated professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret the brief effectively, as noted by the Academy of Robotics team.
Although not the winning design, my concept contributed to the overall development process of the Helper Bot, which aimed to streamline hospital logistics and improve efficiency in delivering medicines and supplies.
The project successfully progressed to a trial phase, with the Helper Bot learning to navigate between the hospital's pharmacy and selected in-patient wards.
This result showcases the value of my design skills in a competitive and innovative healthcare technology project, contributing to a solution that has the potential to significantly impact hospital operations and patient care.
Results
The Milton Helper Bot project yielded significant outcomes:
1. Successful Implementation:
"Milton," the Helper Bot, began trials at MKUH in late November 2022.
By 2023, it was actively navigating between the pharmacy and selected in-patient wards.
2. Operational Achievements:
Autonomously delivered non-controlled medications to ward staff.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex hospital environments safely.
3. Design Success:
The final penguin-shaped design was chosen through collaborative efforts with hospital staff.
Design effectively balanced approachability with functionality.
4. Staff and Patient Impact:
Aimed to alleviate pressure on hospital staff by automating logistical tasks.
Designed to improve patient care by potentially reducing waiting times for medications.
5. Innovation Recognition:
Showcased MKUH's commitment to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Positioned as a potential model for wider NHS implementation if successful.
6. Future Potential:
Data from the trial is being used to assess scalability and broader application.
Project demonstrates the viability of robotics in enhancing healthcare logistics.
Through this project, I learned:
The importance of balancing functionality with approachability in healthcare robotics design.
The value of iterative design and obtaining feedback at each stage.
That autonomous robots can significantly improve hospital operations when designed with user needs in mind.
