In a prospective comparative trial published in May 2026 by Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, researchers explored the impact of autonomous mobile robots on enhancing the efficiency of endoscope reprocessing. The study took place within the hospital's central sterile supply department (CSSD), focusing specifically on endoscopes used in procedures such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies.
The trial compared traditional manual reprocessing methods with the utilization of an autonomous mobile robot, named RoboRepro. The researchers assessed various factors including cycle times, pass/fail rates, and overall efficiency. The video accompanying the study offers a visual demonstration of the robotic system in action.
Data collected from the trial indicated that the use of RoboRepro significantly reduced endoscope reprocessing cycle times by an average of 37%. Additionally, the pass/fail rate for endoscopes processed by the robot was found to be consistently higher than traditional methods, with a 15% increase in successful reprocessing.
The study also analyzed the robustness of the robotic system in terms of temperature control and chemical concentration. Results showed that RoboRepro maintained consistent temperatures throughout the reprocessing process, ensuring thorough sterilization. Furthermore, the robot's automated dosing system ensured precise chemical concentrations, improving the quality and safety of the reprocessed endoscopes.
While the trial focused on endoscopic equipment, the potential applications of autonomous mobile robots extend beyond CSSD to other departments utilizing surgical instruments. The findings suggest that these robotic systems could offer significant improvements in sterile processing efficiency and instrument safety, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.