A transport device is for carrying and moving objects from one location to another. In an embodiment, the transport device includes a chassis and at least four motor-driven omnidirectional wheels arranged on the chassis. The chassis is configured to adapt the wheelbase and the track gauge of the omnidirectional wheels according to the size of the object. A corresponding method for operating such transport device is further specified in an embodiment. The embodiments of the application lie in the universal usage of the transport device for nearly all sizes and shapes of an object.

Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

A system for autonomous patient support apparatuses is provided. A computing device receives: (i) patient data relating to patients at a healthcare facility, and (ii) autonomous patient support apparatus data relating to autonomous patient support apparatuses at the healthcare facility, the autonomous patient support apparatus data including configuration information and occupancy status for the autonomous patient support apparatuses. The computing device predicts an expected number of additional patients to be admitted to the healthcare facility. The computing device generates a request to modify a configuration of one or more autonomous patient support apparatuses within a patient treatment room based, at least in part, on the patient data, the autonomous patient support apparatus data, and the expected number of additional patients. The computing device instructs the one or more autonomous patient support apparatuses to modify the configuration of the one or more autonomous patient support apparatuses within the patient treatment room.

Wireless sensor network motes and radar & sensor-based systems receive sensed data, compare it to a predetermined standard and generate a signal to deploy a corresponding response.

Systems and methods for medical imaging diagnoses are provided. The methods may include detecting an entrance of the scan platform into a scanning room by a signal emission device, moving the scan platform to a joint area according to connection interface of the medical imaging device by a driving device. The method may also include adjusting the scan platform to connect to the medical imaging device by a position adjusting device. The method may also include connecting the scan platform to the medical imaging device by a physical interface. The method may further include moving the scanning object to a scanning area of the medical imaging device by the driving device.

The present teachings provide for wheelchair including a control module, manual drive controls, a camera, biometric sensors, and an antenna. The control module includes an autonomous drive module configured to autonomously pilot the wheelchair. The biometric sensors are configured to measure biometric information of a user of the wheelchair.

A patient support facility including at least one patient support plate and at least two supports for the patient support plate. Each of the supports are configured to be mobile has an autonomous drive module with a chassis permitting movements and rotations in all horizontal directions, a drive facility, and a control unit. The patient support facility includes a control facility that is configured to operate the drive modules in a coordinated and individual manner.

The present invention relates to patient routing. In order to provide a more efficient patient flow for autonomous image acquisition, a method is provided for controlling a patient transfer apparatus within a healthcare facility. The method comprises the following steps: providing a routing information for transferring the patient transfer apparatus to a required location; controlling the patient transfer apparatus to move on a first guided path according to the provided routing information; detecting at least one of a vital sign and an abnormal movement of the patient during a transit of the patient transfer apparatus; evaluating a patient condition based on at least one of the detected vital sign and the detected abnormal movement of the patient; updating the routing information in response to the evaluated patient condition, if the evaluated patient condition meets a predefined criterion; and controlling the patient transfer apparatus to move on a second guided path according to the updated routing information during the transit of the patient transfer apparatus.

Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, or the like, include control systems with one or more image, radar, and/or laser sensors to detect objects and determine if a likelihood of collision exists. If so, the control system controls the speed and steering of the patient support apparatus in order to reduce the likelihood of collision. The control system may be adapted to autonomously drive the patient support apparatus, to transmit a message to a remote device indicating whether it is occupied by a patient or not, and/or to transmit its route to the remote device. The remote device may determine an estimate of a time of arrival of the patient support apparatus at a particular destination and/or determine a distance of the patient support apparatus from the particular destination.

A locating system for a surgical suite includes optical markers coupled to a medical device. A sensor is configured to obtain an initial position data of the optical markers. A laser device is configured to obtain subsequent position data of the optical markers. A controller receives the initial position data from the sensor and the subsequent position data from the laser device. The controller is configured to determine a position of the medical device within the surgical suite and recognize a type of the medical device in response to the optical markers.