Hancock Health has introduced a cutting-edge robot named “Otto” at its main hospital in Greenfield, Indiana, marking a significant advancement in healthcare technology. This innovative system is designed to assist hospital staff by autonomously delivering specimens across various departments, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
The partnership between Hancock Health and Arrive AI, a technology firm based in Fishers, alongside California’s Ottonomy Inc., brought this robot to life. As Rob Johnston, field applications engineer and chief pilot at Arrive AI, explained, “Asynchronous delivery is basically no human in the loop, meaning that you have an automated drop off, an automated pickup.” With this new capability, Hancock Health becomes the first hospital in the United States to deploy a robot that interacts with a smart autonomous enclosure.
Otto utilizes advanced mapping technology to navigate the hospital premises. It picks up and drops off specimens at predetermined “arrive points,” which are accessible through a secure badge system. Johnston elaborated, “They unlock the door of the arrive point and drop it off in this tote, then travels its way to another arrive point which is outside the lab, saving about a quarter mile of walking for any faculty or staff.”
The impact of Otto is already being felt within the Cancer Center, where clinical medical assistant Megan Mellene noted a substantial reduction in time spent on specimen transport. “It was about six to seven minutes for a round trip from our office to the lab,” she shared. “Now, it only takes us about one minute to get to the robot and put it in. The time saved can now be spent with patients, which is what matters most.”
Hancock Health leaders view this technological advancement as merely the beginning. Matt Browning, chief administrative officer, stated, “We are looking at this as a starting point. We certainly see a lot of other opportunities in different departments, including food delivery, and even considering using this type of technology in our off-site campuses to deliver materials to the main hospital.”
The introduction of Otto is particularly timely, as many healthcare facilities grapple with staffing shortages and operational challenges. Dan Lareau, Director of Customer Success at Arrive AI, remarked on the broader implications of automation in healthcare. “All hospitals are facing financial challenges, so efficiency becomes crucial. As robots, drones, and other vehicles become more affordable, the return on investment is much quicker. It’s vital to keep nurses and technicians focused on patient care,” he said.
Hancock Health initiated the rollout of Otto in April 2023, with plans for further expansion across its network of over 30 locations in east-central Indiana. The health network anticipates that the robot can save staff up to 15 minutes each day from laboratory trips, significantly enhancing workflow and patient engagement.
As Arrive AI continues to refine its technology through this partnership, the insights gained from Hancock Health’s implementation will inform future developments. The integration of ground robots, courier networks, and drones represents a transformative shift in healthcare logistics, promising improved efficiency and care delivery in the years to come.
