Taiwan is quickly becoming a focal point in the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. From nurse-assisting robots to AI-driven hospital systems, these technologies raise important questions. Will they reduce the workload on healthcare staff, or change the roles of nurses entirely? As the line between human care and machine assistance blurs, Taiwan offers a view into the future many professionals are still trying to understand.
Nurabot: Taiwan’s AI Nurse on the Frontlines
One of the most notable developments is Nurabot, an AI-powered nurse robot developed by Foxconn in collaboration with NVIDIA. Currently being tested in Taiwanese hospitals, Nurabot autonomously delivers medications, monitors patient vitals, and guides visitors through hospital corridors. Equipped with a digital face and autonomous navigation, it is designed to lower nurses' workloads by up to 30%, allowing medical professionals to focus more on critical patient care. Future updates are expected to include multilingual support, facial recognition, and even patient-lifting capabilities.
AI Copilots at Chi Mei Medical Center
Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan has integrated a range of AI copilots powered by Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. These tools assist healthcare professionals by generating medical reports, summarizing patient histories, and providing dietary guidance. For example, nurses now use AI to prepare shift change reports and bed transfer documentation in less than five minutes, a task that previously took 10–20 minutes. In a single month, these AI copilots were used more than 36,000 times by approximately 3,500 staff members, showing their growing presence.
AI in Mental Health Support
In response to rising mental health concerns, particularly among young people, AI chatbots such as ChatGPT are being adopted for basic emotional support in Taiwan. These tools offer private, fast, and accessible mental health guidance, especially in a cultural context where stigma remains a barrier to seeking professional help. However, mental health experts emphasize that while AI can serve a supporting role, it should not replace licensed therapists or crisis intervention services.
Precision Medicine at China Medical University Hospital
China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) in Taichung leads in the use of AI for precision medicine. The hospital uses hundreds of AI algorithms hosted on Microsoft Azure to assist in the diagnosis of conditions such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease. AI tools also help streamline emergency care for stroke and cardiac patients and reduce the administrative load on medical staff. These developments contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency.
Upcoming: Medical Taiwan 2025 Exhibition
Taiwan’s developments in AI healthcare will be prominently featured at Medical Taiwan 2025, a major industry exhibition. The event will display AI diagnostic tools, smart hospital systems, and integrated home care technologies. It aims to address key healthcare issues including an aging population, staff shortages, and rising healthcare costs by offering practical, AI-driven solutions.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s early and broad use of AI in healthcare reflects a clear focus on improving efficiency and patient care. By addressing ongoing challenges through technology, Taiwan is creating a model that other countries may look to as they work to update healthcare delivery in the digital era. As AI changes the roles of healthcare workers and the way care is provided, one question remains: In a future where machines assist more and more, what will it truly mean to care?
