The Costly Challenge of Operating Room Coordination in Healthcare

The landscape of healthcare technology is frequently dominated by discussions surrounding AI and robotics. However, a critical issue that is currently draining hospital resources stems from the lack of effective coordination in operating rooms (ORs). Reports indicate that hospitals are losing between two to four hours of OR time each day—not due to the surgical procedures themselves but due to a myriad of coordinating issues. From manual scheduling chaos to unpredictable room turnover times, the inefficiencies in OR operations are a significant financial burden.

A Discussion With Conor McGinn of Akara

In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, host Russell Brandom engaged with Conor McGinn, co-founder and CEO of Akara. This innovative startup has made waves by being recognized in Time’s Best Inventions of 2025. Akara’s unique approach focuses on creating a system akin to air traffic control for hospitals, employing cutting-edge thermal sensors and artificial intelligence.

The Shift from Cleaning Robots to Ambient Sensing

One of the most fascinating aspects of Akara’s journey is its pivot from developing cleaning robots to specializing in ambient sensing solutions. McGinn discusses how this strategic shift allows the company to track surgical activities while maintaining patient privacy. The use of thermal sensors offers a reliable means to monitor the status of an operating room without infringing on individual rights, a concern that has been paramount in healthcare.

These advancements in ambient sensing could transform OR efficiency. By accurately documenting when surgeries are taking place and assessing room turnover times, hospitals can significantly reduce wasted hours and improve resource allocation.

Navigating the U.S. Healthcare Landscape

McGinn shares insights from his experience working in the NHS and how this served as a unique entry point into American hospitals. The rigorous vetting processes of the NHS provided him with invaluable knowledge of healthcare operations, which he leveraged to introduce his technology into the U.S. market. This background highlights the importance of understanding local regulations and operational frameworks when implementing new technologies in healthcare settings.

Addressing the Real Roadblocks in Medical Robotics

While many discussions around medical robotics focus on the technology itself, McGinn emphasizes that the real bottleneck lies in the existing infrastructure. Effective implementation of robotics and AI requires an ecosystem capable of supporting these advancements. Hospitals often face outdated operational workflows and limited integration capabilities, which can stifle the potential benefits that new technologies can offer.

This infrastructure barrier is particularly relevant in OR coordination. Without an adaptable framework, even the best robotic solutions will struggle to find their footing in complex hospital environments.

The Future of Nursing and Automation

Looking ahead, McGinn expresses concern over the future of the nursing workforce, noting that up to 40% of nurses might leave the profession within the next five years. This anticipated shift carries significant implications for automation and the adoption of advanced technologies in healthcare.

As nursing staff becomes increasingly strained, hospitals may begin to rely more heavily on automation solutions to fill the gaps. However, this reliance must be approached with caution, ensuring that technology enhances rather than detracts from patient care and staff capabilities.

Conclusion: The Promise of AI in Healthcare

The conversation on the Equity podcast sheds light on the pressing challenges healthcare providers face today, particularly the inefficiencies related to operating room coordination. Companies like Akara are forging the path toward innovative solutions that could alleviate these issues, but significant work remains to be done to enhance the overall infrastructure.

As discussions around AI and robotics continue to evolve, it’s essential to maintain a focus on the foundational elements that will allow these technologies to thrive in real-world settings. By addressing the operational bottlenecks and investing in robust infrastructures, healthcare providers can harness the power of AI to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

You can listen to the full conversation on the TechCrunch Equity podcast. It’s available on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and more. For updates, follow Equity on X and Threads at @EquityPod.

In summary, while AI and robotics hold tremendous promise for the future of healthcare, the path to realizing that potential requires overcoming significant logistical challenges. Through innovations like those offered by Akara, there is hope for more efficient and effective healthcare delivery systems in the near future.

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Emmanuel Kesse

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