Allen
Duong
Biophysics
Paper
ACCHS
Robotics
& Acupuncture
Robotics.
It is the future. It is a benefit to humankind. It will help make our
lives better. Robots and humans can co-exist together. This is what
is being marketed and sold to us. As the world moves towards the next
frontier and as technology advances, there is little stopping what
will come before mankind in the future. What about Acupuncture? With
over thousands years of Traditional Chinese Medicine and knowledge.
How can this ancient art of healing advance into the future? Imagine
if the field of robotics clashed with the field of acupuncture. It
will be quite an explosion! I propose that there will be a partial or
fully operational robot that can perform acupuncture, on the horizon
of mankind. A Robot Acupuncturist.
Robotics
exist in this world. Nations use robots to reach the unreachable.
Unmanned probes are being used to be sent to the utmost parts of our
universe. Unmanned submersible vehicles are used to explore the
depths of the oceans. Robotics are used in the medical field for
operations. Robotics have be used for good and bad. Military and
government around the world have been using robots for destruction,
most recently “unmanned drones”. Robotics are being incorporated
in human life and culture. Humans have been using robots for
recreation for a long time. It is easy to go to Walmart or Toys 'R us
to pick up a remote control car, boat, helicopter, even a self
sweeping robot called “Roomba”. Robots are indeed everywhere and
its not going away. This field will only advance. The question is, is
a robot capable to perform something as technical and complicated as
acupuncture?
First of
all, considering what has already been done and is currently being
used in the field of robotics, the answer is simple and a resounding
“Yes!”. Robots can be controlled from a distance. Like a remote
control probe on the moon which is being controlled from a command
center on earth. A robot can be given specific instructions to
accomplish tasks with pin point accuracy. This is currently being
used in the medical field where medical doctors are performing
operations and surgeries using robotics due to its accuracy and fine
motor abilities. Robots can be programmed to do certain tasks and
keep within the boundaries of those objectives. It would not do
something “out of the blue” or something unimaginative due to
specific programming set in the robots computer. Robots can be
created and manufactured to hold various tools and perform specific
movements repeatedly like the robots used on assembly lines. Robots
can be made to incorporate computer monitors and screens to work with
graphics and display emotions or project a instant video image of a
person in a different room or location. This robot is also being
tested in some hospitals where a robot with video interface
capabilities can enter a patient's room and communicate with the
Doctor on the screen of the robot. The Doctor has not left his or her
office. Imagine the Doctor being away at a conference or home and
still chat with the patient and ask how they are doing. With robots
being able to perform so many tasks, accomplish so many objectives,
and paving the road for endless possibilities. In our case, a robot
acupuncturist is achievable and a matter of combining various robotic
technology together so they can achieve this goal.
It would
be interesting to see a robotic arm that can perform acupuncture
while a patient lies on a special bed. The robot will utilize
technology to measure patient's height and body size, the robot can
utilize scanning capabilities to determine the “cun” or
measurements to perform acupuncture on the various body types. The
robot can take the patient's pulse like the automatic blood pressure
machines where patients insert their arm and press a button. There is
already technology where TCM pulse taking with computer and machine
is available. The robot can be created with fine motor skills to
handle needles and have pressure and sensitivity programmed to insert
needles at specific depths of the skin. A licensed acupuncturist may
need to oversee the treatment by determining the points prescription
and input in the points being needled in the program of the robot. A
so-called “acupuncture technician” can be in the room with the
patient to provide assistance or correct technical issues, such as a
cashier at a self checkout line with unmanned check-out stands. A
perfect combination of technology and ancient medical science.
As you
can see, a robot acupuncturist can be created and is a possibility.
But how far in the future will we find one in our hospitals or
medical supply stores? Economics teaches us supply and demand and
manufacturing costs will determine its availability to public and the
masses. A robot that can perform acupuncture will need to incorporate
all the technology and capabilities of all the robots combine. The
more advance the robot, the more the higher the cost to cover the
expense of manufacturing and production and profitability for
shareholders. I do hope on the horizon of mankind, technology will
advance to a point where “fully robotic humanoid” will be able to
analyze the patient, give accurate TCM diagnosis, and perform acupuncture treatment. It only a matter of when.
