Technology in the medical world continues to evolve over time. The invention of the stethoscope remains one of the greatest breakthroughs in medical history. Later, the rise of the internet became another major driver of transformation in the healthcare industry.
Now, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare has once again entered a new era of change. Thanks to advances in computer science and informatics, AI has rapidly become an integral part of modern healthcare services. AI algorithms and AI-powered applications are being used to support medical professionals in clinical environments.
At present, the most common roles of AI in the global health innovations include clinical decision support and medical imaging analysis. Clinical decision support tools help healthcare providers make informed decisions—particularly those related to treatment, therapy, and mental health.
Meanwhile, in medical imaging, AI tools are often used to analyze CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and other images to detect lesions or abnormalities that might be overlooked by human radiologists. Research and trials are still ongoing, and general standards for AI use in the health innovations field are still being established.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the potential of AI to benefit doctors, researchers, and patients will continue to grow. Major media outlets project that by 2026. We will witness groundbreaking technologies that drive better healthcare outcomes and more efficient medical services.
Here are some of the most promising technologies we may see in the near future:
Generative AI in Drug Discovery
This year, we’ve seen numerous cases where generative AI achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Improved machine learning algorithms, deeper data access, cheaper devices, and widespread 5G connectivity have all contributed to the growing adoption of AI across the health innovations.
According to Statista, the AI healthcare market—valued at $11 billion in 2021—is projected to grow to $187 billion by 2030. This growth will transform how healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies operate.
By 2026, AI is expected to play a crucial role in bringing new drugs and treatments into clinical trials. Once proof of concept is achieved, researchers will leverage AI to accelerate candidate analysis, simulate interactions within the human body, and develop more affordable new therapies.
AI Agents in Healthcare Services
A study from IBM found that 83% of patients reported poor communication during their visits to healthcare centers. This indicates a growing need for clearer and more effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
AI technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), predictive analytics, and speech recognition can help improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients. At the same time, healthcare organizations are using AI to enhance the efficiency of various processes—from back-office operations to patient care.
For instance, one study found that 64% of patients are comfortable using AI-powered virtual nurse assistants for 24/7 access. These assistants—often in the form of chatbots, apps, or other AI-driven interfaces—can answer medication questions, forward reports to doctors or surgeons, and help patients schedule appointments.
Robots in Healthcare
The first medical robot introduced to the public was a robotic arm in the 1980s. Since then, advances in AI, computer vision, and data analytics have transformed medical robotics. Expanding their capabilities across multiple areas of care.
It is projected that robotic surgeons and hospital porters will become increasingly common in healthcare settings. For example, in Japan and South Korea, care robots are already used to support the elderly. Offering a potential solution to workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.
AI-based robots can autonomously clean and prepare patient rooms. Reduce the time needed to identify, match, and distribute medications. And even serve as social robots to enhance patient well-being and help visitors navigate hospital facilities.
As a result, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers can spend more time providing direct patient care.
