Recently, Parkview replaced the fleet of TUG mobile robots used to support the workforce on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus.
“Our support division is so lucky that Parkview has invested in this technology,” Casey Palumbo, director, Environmental Services, Allen County, Parkview Health, said.
The original fleet, introduced when the north hospital opened, was nearly 12 years old. Casey shared that the team was able to work through the TUG vendor, Aethon, to return the retired machines to be recycled as the new robots came online.
The newer models are faster, have a better battery life, more sensors for detecting objects and individuals in their path, and enhanced maneuverability. The mobile machines support teams such as Pharmacy and supply chain, delivering medications and supplies safely and securely.
But, for Micah Grose, lead, Environmental Services (EVS), Parkview Health, it’s the custodial tasks that have the biggest impact for himself and his EVS co-workers. “The new TUGs are more durable and very helpful,” he said. “When we start in the morning, we do three rounds picking things up in the hospital. There’s a computer screen we can use to pick the destination where we need their help. The TUGS help us keep up rather than carrying all that weight.”
Casey echoed Micah’s sentiments around the physical savings of the fleet of robots. “Some TUGS hold up to 1200 pounds,” he said. “And moving those annually requires a lot of bending and twisting. The TUGs reduce the workload on the team’s bodies and allows us to be in different places and more locations throughout the day.”
You can get an idea of a typical day for our TUG robots, featuring the original models, here.
