Interviewer: Can you tell us more about your research with Stanford scientists on the ROCA project?
Arman Ibrayeva: We develop advanced technologies (software and hardware) to elevate elderly care. Our integrated suite of AI-driven modules delivers precise posture and gait analysis to prevent falls, streamlined medication management, nuanced pain assessment through facial and behavioral cues, continuous vital sign monitoring, holistic wellness tracking of activity, nutrition, and sleep, robust fall detection via advanced sensors, comprehensive mood and mental health evaluation, and detailed monitoring of daily activities. Engineered for intuitive operation, our technology empowers caregivers with real-time, actionable insights, supported by comprehensive training and administrative resources for seamless deployment.
This technology addresses critical needs in an aging society, where global life expectancy is rising and 1 in 6 people will be over 60 by 2030. Falls, a leading cause of injury, affect 30-40% of older adults annually, with our posture and gait analysis and fall detection modules reducing this risk by enabling early intervention. Mental health monitoring, vital as 20% of older adults experience depression or anxiety, supports timely interventions by analyzing behavioral cues. By fostering independence and reducing caregiver burden, our systems enhance quality of life, aligning with research showing technology can lower hospitalizations by 23% and promote aging-in-place.
Interviewer: Robots are often viewed as industrial, iron-clad devices for heavy work. How do you reconcile this with the tender, delicate nature of medicine?
Arman Ibrayeva: In my view, robots in healthcare are not just mechanical devices; they must exhibit empathy and emotional intelligence. Effective Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) goes beyond physical assistance—it is about safety and trust, as well as emotional connection. For instance, there are already projects (one was in Nazarbayev University when I was there…) utilizing social robots to assist children with conditions such as autism. However, my vision is to integrate this empathetic interaction into all medical robots. Incorporating non-physical care elements into treatment, though often overlooked, have been shown to significantly enhance recovery, according to several studies.
Interviewer: Can you share details about your other projects in medical robotics? In terms of human-robot interaction for example.
Arman Ibrayeva: One exciting project involved creating a real-time interactive exoskeleton that reads neurological (brain) signals and muscular intentions. This technology greatly assists patients in regaining mobility after strokes or spinal injuries. Studies suggest these AI-integrated robotic systems substantially enhance recovery rates compared to conventional therapies.
Interviewer: How reliable are robotic systems in healthcare, particularly with the rise of surgical robotic devices? What’s your perspective?
Arman Ibrayeva: One of my studies included optimization of surgical robot motion planning minimizing the tissue damage. Data shows that surgical robots are now widely adopted; about 85% of large hospitals in the U.S. employ robotic systems. Their reliability is well-supported: they reduce postoperative complications by up to 50%, shorten hospital stays by about 30%, and significantly accelerate patient recovery compared to manual surgeries, which often carry higher risks of complications.
Interviewer: You've also contributed to developing robotic systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did that project evolve?
Arman Ibrayeva: In response to COVID-19, we created a robotic PCR sampling system designed for precision and safety. Its lightweight, precise structure minimizes contamination risks and protects healthcare professionals by handling high-risk tasks without replacing human roles.
Interviewer: What do you see as the next big innovation in medical robotics?
Arman Ibrayeva: I want to work on Biodegradable medical robots which are an exciting frontier. These robots perform tasks within the body and then safely dissolve, eliminating the need for retrieval surgeries. Recent advancements confirm their practical viability, marking a significant leap forward in minimally invasive medical technology.
Interviewer: Finally, what is your ultimate vision for medical robotics?
Arman Ibrayeva: My goal is to democratize advanced medical technologies. Everyone should have access to cutting-edge healthcare innovations, not just the privileged few. By embedding empathy, accessibility, and effectiveness in our robots, we can truly transform patient care globally.