Design and Performance Evaluation of a Modular Mobile Robot for Autonomous Hospital Logistics
Publication date
2026-03-23
Authors
Dei, Neri Niccolò
Gandah, Simona
Spreafico, Giorgia
Firrincieli, Ándrea
Ros, Raquel Juliá
Estevan, Víctor Solaz
Soriano, Angel
Di Luzio, Francesco Scotto
Tagliamonte, Nevio Luigi
Papakostas, Lampis
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Advisors
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Document Type
Article
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Abstract
Hospital logistics can significantly benefit from autonomous robotic technologies capable of alleviating personnel workload, reducing operational costs, and streamlining internal workflows. This paper introduces HOSBOT (HOSpital roBOT), a modular and cost-effective robotic system designed to enhance hospital logistics and workflow management through autonomous missions and real-time monitoring of transported items. HOSBOT combines a commercially available autonomous mobile robot with a customisable non-motorised cart, the SmartRack, which accommodates standalone, sensorised SmartBoxes equipped with Radio Frequency IDentification technology. This paper describes the overall design of HOSBOT, including its mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces. The system has been validated in three pilot experiments in real hospital environments across Europe, demonstrating good levels of acceptability, usability and efficacy. This innovative robotic solution highlights the potential for scalable integration of autonomous mobile robots in healthcare and other indoor logistics settings.
Keywords
RFID, collaborative robots, digital health, hospital logistics, mobile robots, Control and Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Citation
Dei, N N, Gandah, S, Spreafico, G, Firrincieli, Á, Ros, R J, Estevan, V S, Soriano, A, Di Luzio, F S, Tagliamonte, N L, Papakostas, L, Karamousadakis, M, Medrano-Gil, A, Del Río-Martín, J, Lolis, V, Votis, K, Soriano, P S, Simón, J R, Kardas, P, Lewek, P, Timler, D, Sanz, L L, De Vicente-Arche, J N, Haitjema, S, Hoefer, I, Guillen, S, Gutierrez, G, Pecchia, L, Zollo, L, Fico, G, Chiurazzi, M & Ciuti, G 2026, 'Design and Performance Evaluation of a Modular Mobile Robot for Autonomous Hospital Logistics', IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, vol. 23, pp. 7748-7763. https://doi.org/10.1109/TASE.2026.3674356