The contribution of the robotics metaverse in the medical sector

The EESC:

• recommends developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for robotics and the metaverse in healthcare;
• stresses the importance of promoting ethical standards and patient consent protocols;
• calls for investment in digital infrastructure to ensure equal access and highlights the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to prevent a digital divide. The EU should prioritise the deployment of 5G and 6G networks to support the secure and reliable operation of robotics and metaverse technologies. Equitable access to these healthcare advancements across all Member States is a key priority;
• advocates increasing educational and training support for healthcare professionals. It believes that the EU must fund and promote education and training programmes to prepare medical professionals for the integration of robotics and metaverse technologies;
• encourages fostering innovation through a targeted EU investment strategy. It strongly recommends that the EU develop a targeted investment strategy, particularly aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on robotics and metaverse solutions for healthcare, and
• emphasises the need for strong data privacy and cybersecurity protections. It urges the EU to implement stringent data privacy and cybersecurity regulations to safeguard sensitive health data and protect against cyberattacks. This includes securing the connections between robotics, the metaverse, and human interface devices. The EESC also points out that data sovereignty and compliance must be addressed across different jurisdictions to protect patients’ rights and ensure trust in cross-border healthcare services.