Is it a friendly, human-like assistant offering a helping hand, or a towering machine with flashing lights and a mechanical voice? For most people, the word "robot" conjures up images of metal bodies, blinking circuits, and futuristic intelligence. But in reality, robots come in all shapes and sizes, many of which you might not expect.
“A lot of people think of robots as rigid machines made of solid metal and electronics,” says Dr. Ryan Sochol, a mechanical engineer at the University of Maryland. “But medical robots can be soft, small, and incredibly precise.”
Sochol and his team are designing tiny, flexible robots that can assist in complex surgical procedures. Other researchers are developing wearable robots to enhance mobility, while some are working on social robots that mimic human interaction. These robotic systems may not be widely available yet, but many are progressing steadily through research and development and could become part of daily life in the next five to ten years.
What defines a robot is typically a combination of three core components: a sensor to detect elements like light, sound, or motion; an actuator that converts energy into movement; and a control system, often powered by computer programs or artificial intelligence (AI), that directs the robot’s actions. Today, AI plays a crucial role in enabling robots to interpret vast amounts of data, making them more responsive and adaptable.
“Robots are becoming more integrated into everyday life. Many modern vehicles, for example, are equipped with robotic systems that assist with tasks like parking, lane control, and adaptive cruise control,” says Dr. Xiaopeng Zhao, a biomedical engineer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “With the advancement of AI, robots are becoming more powerful and more helpful.”
One emerging field is the development of social robots, particularly for elderly individuals and caregivers. With an aging population and a growing demand for caregiving services, robots could help ease the burden on families and healthcare providers.
Zhao and his colleagues have been exploring how interactive, human-like robots might assist people with dementia. They interviewed patients and caregivers at memory clinics, senior centers, and assisted living communities to better understand their needs. Then, they designed a four-foot-tall robot with a touchscreen on its chest and the ability to talk, listen, play videos, move, and even dance. These AI-powered companions can also prompt individuals to recall past memories.
“Alzheimer’s patients often lose short-term memory, but they can still recall events from decades ago,” Zhao explains. The robot encourages reminiscing by playing old songs, talking about classic sports moments, or asking questions that trigger long-term memories.
While these interactions may not cure memory loss, they can enhance emotional well-being and quality of life. The robot also offers the unique advantage of being endlessly patient—able to listen to the same stories repeatedly without frustration.
Zhao’s team is also working on robots that provide helpful, evidence-based advice to caregivers. These robotic assistants can share stress-reducing strategies, caregiving tips, and reminders to look after personal health—areas often neglected by overwhelmed caregivers.
Beyond companionship and memory support, robots are also revolutionizing the surgical field. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is already changing how doctors operate by reducing pain, recovery time, and risk of complications.
Robotic-assisted surgeries often involve making small incisions through which instruments and 3D cameras are inserted. Sochol’s research team is enhancing this method by creating soft, flexible robotic tools using advanced 3D printing techniques. These tools are designed to navigate the intricate pathways of the human body, especially in surgeries involving the brain.
One procedure they’re improving targets cerebral aneurysms—weak, bulging spots in blood vessels that can be life-threatening if not treated. Traditionally, doctors insert a microcatheter through a patient’s blood vessels to reach the aneurysm. However, navigating through the twists and turns of the vascular system can be extremely difficult. If the microcatheter can’t reach the aneurysm safely, the surgery may need to be canceled.
To solve this, Sochol’s team has developed a soft robotic microcatheter that can be steered during the procedure, allowing surgeons to reach difficult or previously inaccessible areas of the brain more reliably.
NIH-funded researchers are also working on soft robotic technologies to assist with surgeries involving the heart, intestines, and lungs. These innovations are still experimental, but they represent promising advancements in precision medicine.
Another area where robotics is making a significant impact is in mobility and rehabilitation. The NIH supports research into advanced prosthetics—artificial limbs that restore movement and sensation. Some of these devices are so advanced they can be controlled directly by the brain, enabling users to grasp, walk, or even type with incredible accuracy.
Then there are exoskeletons—wearable robots that wrap around a person’s limbs to assist with movement. “Think of them like high-tech clothing,” says Dr. Gregory Sawicki, a biomedical engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “You can wear them like boots or pants, and they support your muscles so you don’t have to work as hard.”
Sawicki’s team is researching how exoskeletons can help older adults prevent falls, which are a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and long-term disability. As we age, the body’s reaction time slows, and balance becomes harder to maintain. Robots, however, can detect and respond to shifts in posture much faster than humans, potentially preventing a fall before it happens.
Researchers are working to make these exoskeletons lighter, more comfortable, and more user-friendly. Their goal is to help people stay active and independent longer into old age, which plays a critical role in maintaining social ties and emotional health.
“As we age, staying mobile is key to staying connected with others,” Sawicki says. “If robots can help us move farther with less effort, they can also help us maintain those human connections that are vital to well-being.”
Still, despite their remarkable abilities, robots are not meant to replace human relationships. “Robots are excellent for repetitive, time-consuming tasks,” Zhao adds. “But when it comes to love, empathy, and meaningful connection—those are things only humans can truly provide.”
So while the robots of today may not look like the sci-fi fantasies of yesterday, their impact on medicine, caregiving, and everyday life is becoming very real. Whether through soft robotic tools, intelligent exoskeletons, or chatty AI companions, robotics is quietly reshaping how we care, heal, and connect 💡