Robots are making their way into our everyday lives at an increasing rate. Not only can they be programmed to perform daily tasks, but many are being used to go beyond human capabilities to save lives and conduct extreme tasks. Unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of a machine performing some human duties. For those skeptics out there, prepare to become either fascinated or totally uncomfortable by the idea of a robot operating the next blood drive you attend.
A startup company called Veebot is testing a prototype robot that is said to draw blood faster and more accurately than a human. While the idea may sound impossible, Veebot’s goal is to automate both blood draws and IV insertions to make the process even more standard and reduce complications.
The robot will include a tourniquet, which resembles a rubber band-like cuff worn by patients to make veins more visible. It will use an infrared light, a special camera, and ultrasound combined with image-analysis software to choose a vein and confirm that enough blood flows through it. Reportedly, robot is can draw blood in about a minute plus additional time depending on how much blood is being collected. 
Officials at Veebot said the robot is currently programmed to choose the best vein about 83 percent of the time, similar to the average phlebotomist. For those doubtful of the idea, the company assures that the robot will work to get the rate to 90 percent before attempting any clinical trials.
Recently, Willow Garage’s robot, the PR2, was made available to the market. This robot is designed to work without running into things, manipulate objects on command and even use its hands to grasp certain objects. The idea, similar to what Veebot has in mind, is to get this robot to efficiently perform tasks that humans would normally be tasked with doing.
