In healthcare, innovation is often framed through the lens of surgical advancements, faster diagnostics, robotic assisted procedures, among others. But meaningful transformation can also start at a much more human level – something as simple as the way patients are moved within their care facility.
From the transfer into a bed to the wait for care, every movement and moment in a patient’s journey has weight. These are not just logistical steps, they are personal experiences that shape how patients feel in the moment and how caregivers carry out their work. These small interactions can be sources of comfort and dignity, or if handled poorly, can lead to stress, discomfort and even harm.
We’re putting a spotlight on this often overlooked part of the healthcare experience, and asking this vital question: Can improving the patient experience start with assessing the way in which they are currently being moved? The clear answer to this question, we believe, is yes. And one solution to driving improvement is to inject Physical AI-driven technology into that equation.
What Is Physical AI?
Physical AI in healthcare represents a new frontier in innovation – blending robotics, machine learning, and human-centered design. While robotics excels at performing precise, predefined tasks with consistency, Physical AI builds on that foundation by being more dynamic and adaptable, adjusting to the needs of the patient and frontline staff.
Think of it as robotics that builds on traditional capabilities, interacting with its environment and learning to understand the context of each unique situation. For example, the ALTA Platform® — Able Innovations’ Physical AI-powered patient transfer system, automatically detects and adjusts to the surface from which the patient is being moved from. It can adapt to the needs of the patient, and by extension, the healthcare professional, resulting in smoother, safer and more efficient transfers.
The goal is to ensure that every movement, no matter how routine, helps to preserve the dignity of the patient while supporting the healthcare team in ways that reduce strain and improve workflow.
Why Does This Matter?
Healthcare environments are intense. With stretched resources, staffing shortages, and high patient volumes, caregivers often face burnout while patients are at times left feeling vulnerable. In many hospitals and care settings, something as routine as transferring a patient still relies heavily on manual effort—often requiring multiple staff members and placing strain on everyone involved. This strain comes at a significant cost: Back injuries among healthcare workers are estimated to cost the industry nearly $20 billion each year, and roughly half of all nurse injuries are musculoskeletal in nature (Gallagher). These moments may seem small, but they’re foundational to the patient experience.
When Transfers are Safe and Efficient:
- Patients feel dignity instead of dependency. They can trust that their needs are being met with care.
- Care teams experience less strain and fatigue, helping to prevent injury and burnout. This not only improves team well-being, but also leads to better overall care.
- The system itself becomes more humane. Instead of adding more pressure to already stretched healthcare workers, Physical AI offers a way to make care less physically demanding and stressful—ultimately improving both patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction.
Looking Ahead:
As we look to the future, Physical AI will increasingly focus on elevating the entire care experience.
With the ALTA Platform®, we’re setting a new standard for patient mobility. Through Physical AI–enabled technology, we integrate safety, dignity, and efficiency to improve the quality of care.
We’re building a future where smart automation enables deeper connection; where every patient movement is seamless, safe, and profoundly human.
For us, that future is not far. It’s already in motion.