Lakewood Health System’s new robot delivers – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal

Staples, MN – Lakewood Well being System took a step into the longer term earlier this summer time after they bought a TUG (“TUG” shouldn’t be an acronym), the good autonomous cell robotic that securely delivers drugs, specimens and different supplies between Lakewood’s laboratory (lab), emergency division and hospital lab draw space.

When the lab was expanded and moved to the decrease stage (from its earlier location on the primary flooring), it was decided that as a result of location change and staffing challenges, help was wanted in getting specimens and different supplies to and from the lab with out pulling obligatory employees from their duties.

Enter TUG. Workers within the aforementioned areas merely ‘name’ the robotic to their respective division, and following a pre-mapped path, it makes use of particular laser, sonar and infrared sensors to override computerized doorways and even the elevator, to make its strategy to the required division. As soon as it arrives and both makes a decide up or supply, it returns to its docking station within the lab.

Lakewood employees participated in a naming contest for the robotic, with Tim-E finally being chosen because the winner by the executive Operations & Planning (O&P) crew. The identify is an homage to retiring Lakewood President & CEO, Tim Rice. With a reputation like Tim-E, the robotic additionally wanted an up to date look, so it lately obtained a vinyl/PVC wrap, giving it a futuristic robotic look impressed by Star Wars. Workers have had enjoyable with Tim-E, giving it googly eyes, dressing it up for holidays and even cheering on the Vikings with a SKOL flag and Viking helmet/hair.

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Since its first run on June 21, 2022, Tim-E has traveled 1,000 miles, making 1,300 complete journeys (spherical journey from and again to lab), and three,900 deliveries or pick-ups (stops whereas making a visit). Tim-E is out there for runs 24 hours a day, seven days per week and on common, makes 12.4 deliveries/pick-ups per day, with a median journey time of about 10.5 minutes. All of which is time added again to the day for lab employees.

Throughout their go to, Lakewood sufferers and guests could encounter Tim-E within the hallway or elevator because it makes its strategy to its vacation spot. Whereas Tim-E’s sensors stop it from working into obstacles in its path, sufferers and guests are requested to easily stroll round Tim-E if they’ve an opportunity assembly.