Remote-controlled robots bring metropolitan healthcare experience to outback patients with heart conditions

The Queensland Local Hospital health workers prepare the robot, place gel on the ultrasound probe and manoeuvre patients into position. Then sonographers operate a handheld controller in Brisbane, to manipulate the robot scanning patients' hearts more than 1,000 kilometres away. 
Furthermore, conducting manual scans can be physically demanding on sonographers, particularly those involving larger patients. Sonographers need to maintain pressure on the ultrasound probe for significant periods of time, putting strain on their shoulders. The technology is expected to reduce that injury risk, with the robotic arm applying the pressure.