New "Moxi" Robots Assist Cedars-Sinai Nurses by Performing Time-Consuming Tasks That Improve Efficiency
You can't miss Cedars-Sinai's newest helpers: identical twin robots named Moxi.
They zip through the hospital's hallways and corridors, assisting nurses by performing simple yet time-consuming tasks such as delivering lab samples and collecting medicine from the pharmacy. They can even travel to the gift shop to pick up items for patients.
The robots dramatically improving efficiency by carrying supplies, medicine and linens. Just as important, they add energy and cheer to the units where they work—their heart-shaped eyes light up and they make cartoonlike beeping sounds when they wave hello with their mechanized arms.
Nurses and others say they get a kick out of being around the robots, which have been introduced as a pilot program on neurology, orthopaedic and surgical units.
"We love Moxi," said Melanie Barone, RN, associate nursing director. "I think it's important to have the Moxi robots present because they not only provide an opportunity to improve workflows and be more efficient, but they're a fun thing to see around the halls. They feel very future forward."
The robots use artificial intelligence, machine learning technology and social engineering to interact with people. They can navigate doors with their arms and store goods in their bases, which contain three locked drawers.