can be provided. attention, automatic transport. and away from patients, there is automation. robotic portering delivers most supplies around the hospital, including to operating theatres and meals for the wards. they even have their own lifts. because they do the heavy manual work, staff injuries have been reduced. robot technology is also at work in the hospital pharmacy. orders for medicines are processed rapidly and made ready for clinical teams. pharmacists say it improves patient safety by eliminating human error. whether they are moving supplies around hospitals or having direct contact with patients, robotic devices are thought to offer potentially major long—term benefits to the nhs. but there are big questions over what that will mean for patients' experiences and the impact on staff.