We discuss how humanoid robots may be able to ease the increasing demands for efficiency and patient engagement faced by healthcare systems in Hong Kong and worldwide. We focus on their potential role in patient and care giver interactions, but also discuss broader healthcare scenarios. Drawing on recent advancements in dialogue system architecture, we discuss how humanoid robots can improve the fluidity of their interactions during patient interviews by utilizing human-like verbal and non-verbal communication cues. Our findings highlight the importance of real-time responsiveness and engagement monitoring in maintaining effective communication with patients. Moving beyond patient interviews, we will discuss the broader potential and advantages of humanoid robots in other healthcare applications, such as elderly care and health education. By leveraging anthropomorphic design and advanced AI capabilities, these robots can facilitate natural, proactive and trustworthy interactions. We hope to spur a broader discussion about how the integration of humanoid robots into medical practice can enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
