Hospitals are facing significant financial losses due to inefficiencies in operating room (OR) management, not necessarily from the surgeries themselves. A recent TechCrunch Equity podcast featuring Akara CEO Conor McGinn highlighted that two to four hours of OR time are lost daily across many facilities due to scheduling issues and logistical bottlenecks. This has spurred interest in hospital automation solutions, with companies like Akara developing AI-powered systems to improve coordination and resource allocation.
Akara’s approach, detailed in the podcast, focuses on using thermal sensors and artificial intelligence to track the flow of people and equipment within the OR suite. This technology aims to provide real-time visibility into room turnover times and identify areas for improvement, ultimately maximizing the utilization of expensive OR resources. The company recently received recognition with a spot on Time’s Best Inventions of 2025 list.
The Rise of Hospital Automation and AI-Driven Efficiency
The healthcare industry is increasingly exploring automation to address challenges like staffing shortages and rising costs. While robotics often receives attention, the podcast emphasized that the biggest immediate impact of automation may lie in optimizing existing workflows. According to the discussion, the core problem isn’t a lack of robotic tools, but rather the infrastructure needed to support their seamless integration into surgical procedures.
Akara initially focused on developing cleaning robots for hospitals. However, the company pivoted to ambient sensing after recognizing the larger opportunity in OR coordination. Thermal sensors offer a unique advantage in this context, as they can accurately document activity without raising patient privacy concerns, a critical consideration in healthcare settings.
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles and Market Entry
Gaining traction in the healthcare market requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes. McGinn explained that the company’s experience with the National Health Service (NHS) vetting process in the United Kingdom unexpectedly provided a pathway to U.S. hospitals. The rigorous standards of the NHS served as a valuable validation point for potential American clients.
The podcast also touched on the broader trend of workforce challenges in healthcare. Reports indicate that as much as 40% of the nursing workforce could leave the profession within the next five years, driven by factors like burnout and an aging population. This potential exodus is further accelerating the need for automation to maintain service levels and reduce the burden on existing staff.
The focus on OR efficiency is particularly relevant given the high cost associated with these spaces. Operating rooms represent a substantial investment for hospitals, and even small improvements in utilization can translate into significant financial gains. Furthermore, optimized scheduling can reduce patient wait times and improve overall patient satisfaction.
Akara’s system isn’t designed to replace human staff, but rather to augment their capabilities. By providing real-time data and insights, the AI-powered platform can help surgical teams make more informed decisions and streamline their processes. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for successful implementation of healthcare technology.
The concept of “air traffic control for hospitals” – as described by TechCrunch – highlights the complexity of managing the flow of resources within a modern medical facility. Beyond the OR, similar principles of data-driven optimization could be applied to other areas, such as emergency departments and intensive care units. This broader application of workflow automation represents a significant opportunity for innovation.
The discussion also addressed the challenges of integrating new technologies into established hospital systems. Legacy infrastructure and data silos can hinder the adoption of AI-powered solutions. Overcoming these obstacles requires a commitment to interoperability and a willingness to embrace new ways of working.
The potential for AI and machine learning to transform healthcare extends beyond operational efficiency. These technologies are also being explored for applications such as disease diagnosis, personalized medicine, and drug discovery. However, the podcast underscored the importance of focusing on practical, near-term solutions that can deliver tangible benefits to hospitals and patients.
Looking ahead, the success of Akara and similar companies will depend on their ability to demonstrate a clear return on investment and build trust with healthcare providers. Continued validation through clinical studies and real-world deployments will be essential for driving wider adoption of AI in healthcare. The company is currently focused on expanding its partnerships with U.S. hospitals and refining its platform based on user feedback.
The long-term impact of these technologies remains to be seen. However, the increasing pressure on healthcare systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs suggests that automation will play an increasingly important role in the future of medicine. Further developments in sensor technology, data analytics, and machine learning are expected to unlock even greater opportunities for innovation in the coming years. The industry will be watching for updates on Akara’s progress and the broader adoption of similar solutions as hospitals seek to address their operational challenges.
