Meet PakRobo, country’s first telepresence robot

A health tech company has developed Pakistan's first indigenous telepresence robot, named PakRobo, marking a significant stride in healthcare and health education.

PakRobo which is the result of collaboration between health-tech platform Educast and information technology firm Innovate IT, empowers medical experts and physicians to conduct live patient examinations remotely, both nationally and internationally.

While similar robots are in use in the United States, their high costs pose a challenge. In contrast, the domestically manufactured PakRobo is priced at approximately Rs300,000.

Outfitted with advanced communication facilities and sensors, the robot relays real-time patient status to medical experts. Through PakRobo, medical professionals can interact with patients and their accompanying paramedics.

PakRobo boasts the capability to move freely and is equipped with a specialised laser lens that precisely targets any part of the patient's body.

Abdullah Butt, CEO of Educast, said that the primary goal of PakRobo is to alleviate pressure on Pakistan's healthcare system and address workforce shortages.

The robot facilitates doctors in visiting hospital wards for individual patient examinations, and specialists can remotely examine patients anywhere in the country or abroad.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2023.