With a friendly little beep and a versatile design, the TUG robot provides reliable, cost-effective task automation for hospitals and healthcare providers. It’s a challenge faced by many working in the healthcare industry: tedious tasks stealing time better spent interacting with patients. Thankfully, that’s all beginning to change thanks to whole host of new software platforms and interactive devices specifically designed for the healthcare industry. The latest addition to the fray, TUG, promises to transform internal logistics and free staff from drudgery. Friendly and Helpful White, boxy and mobile, the TUG robot is designed to shoulder some of the essential but time-consuming labor hospitals depend upon to run smoothly and efficiently. With a gentle beep, beep, beep, the TUG announces its presence as it glides down hallways and waits for elevators. Voice-enabled, the TUG can interact with patients and hospitals staff through mobile devices, call boxes and touch screens. A lot of work went into the TUG’s pleasant persona. As Wired’s Matt Simon explains, “The affection is no accident. Aethon, Tug’s manufacturer, designed it to be comforting. It may have an adult voice, but Tug has a childlike air, even though in this hospital you’re supposed to treat it like a wheelchair-bound old lady. It’s just so innocent, so earnest, and at times, a bit helpless.” No More Drudgery TUG proficiently performs its various jobs without complaint, but unlike other industries casting a wary eye on automation, healthcare workers don’t need to fear a robot uprising. While some hospitals admit to holding off on extra hiring thanks to TUG, the robot primarily functions to release caregivers from petty chores. Free from time-consuming but inessential duties, caregivers can spend more time focused on patient care. Ultimately, TUGs work well as a supplement to a hospital’s...