First Robot Phlebotomist: Veebot is a Blood Drawing and IV Inserting Robot

Posted on July 26, 2013

IEEE Spectrum reports on Veebot, which has developed the first robot phlebotomist. Veebot's robot can draw blood and insert IVs.

A human patient places their arm inside an archway, where a cuff tightens around their arm. The robot then uses image analysis software to determine where to insert the needle. The robot also uses ultrasound to ensure a vein it finds has enough blood flow. IEEE Spectrum says Veebot can find the best vein to target 83% of the time. This is about as good as a human. Veebot wants its robot to successfully find a vein 90% of the time (better than a human) before starting clinical trials. Take a look:

ROBOTS