Since 2008, UNC Hospitals has utilized TUG robots in the laboratory, which make deliveries inside and outside the lab. On Jan. 22, 2018, our fleet of autonomous mobile robots will grow from 2 to 18 units. These TUG robots will assist our support services teams with delivery activities.
Since 2008, UNC Hospitals has utilized TUG robots in the laboratory, which make deliveries inside and outside the lab. On Jan. 22, 2018, our fleet of autonomous mobile robots will grow from 2 to 18 units. These TUG robots will assist our support services teams with delivery activities.
By allowing us to automate deliveries and other services, the TUG will free support staff to perform other tasks. Our goal is to help free the clinical staff to spend more time concentrating on providing care to their patients, and will give support services more time to consult units about their needs and see to other responsibilities, which may include:
- Nutrition and Food Services – ensuring that patients are satisfied with the food they are receiving and providing the highest possible customer service.
- Pharmacy – checking expiration dates on goods and ordering supplies.
- Environmental Services – rounding to their areas of responsibility.
- Central Distribution – working with units about their supply needs, checking expiration dates on goods, ordering supplies and maintaining clean utility rooms.
- Linen – consulting with units about their linen needs and deliver additional needed items.
You may begin to see sporadic TUG activity beginning Jan. 8. More information about the rollout and what to expect – including training resources – will be available in the coming weeks.