Testing Sideline Tele-Concussion Robot at Football Games

Arizona

Testing Sideline Tele-Concussion Robot at Football Games

By
Dana Sparks

August 30, 2013

There will be a new face at Northern Arizona University (NAU) football games this fall – only the face of this new "team member" is a robot on wheels. Mayo Clinic researchers are working with NAU to test the feasibility of using a telemedicine robot to assess athletes with suspected concussions during football games.

With sophisticated robotic technology, use of a specialized remote-controlled camera system allows patients to be "seen" by the neurology specialist, miles away, in real time. The robot is equipped with a specialized camera system and remotely operated by a neurologist from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix campus who has the ability to assess a player for symptoms and signs of a concussion, and to consult with sideline medical personnel.

The first time the robot will be used in a game is this Friday, Aug. 30, when NAU kicks off its season against the University of Arizona in Tucson at 7 p.m. MDT.

Click here for news release.
Journalists: B-roll of the robot is available in the downloads.