The Rise of Smart Hospitals: Biomedical Engineering Innovations in Automation, Monitoring, and Digital Healthcare
Olaitan Ebenezer Oluwadare
*
Applied Mathematics Department, School of Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Delaware State University, USA.
Mariam Iyabo Adeoba
Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa.
John Terungwa Akor
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria.
Taofeek Adeshina Yusuff
Department of Business Analytics, Pompea College of Business, West Haven, University of New Haven, USA.
Phales Milimo
College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Smart hospitals are technologically integrated healthcare environments that use biomedical engineering, intelligent automation, advanced monitoring systems and digital healthcare infrastructures to support clinical care and operational efficiency.
Aim: This narrative review aimed to critically analyse biomedical engineering innovations that contribute to smart hospitals, with emphasis on healthcare automation, advanced patient monitoring and digital healthcare ecosystems.
Method: Peer-reviewed articles and relevant scientific publications were reviewed from major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The literature was organised thematically to examine healthcare automation, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, Internet of Medical Things systems, robotic healthcare technologies, telemedicine, predictive monitoring, digital infrastructures and cybersecurity challenges.
Findings: The reviewed literature indicates that biomedical engineering has contributed to smart hospital development through automation of clinical workflows, wearable and implantable biosensors, robotic-assisted systems, predictive analytics, interoperable communication networks and digitally connected healthcare platforms. Artificial intelligence and digital monitoring tools may support real-time clinical observation, diagnostic assistance and personalised care management. The manuscript also shows that robotics, smart operating rooms, tele-ICU platforms, cloud systems, edge computing and interoperability standards are closely linked to the transition from conventional hospitals to intelligent healthcare environments. However, implementation remains constrained by interoperability limitations, cybersecurity risks, infrastructure costs, clinician adoption, algorithmic bias, privacy concerns and scalability challenges.
Conclusion: Smart hospitals depend on the careful integration of secure, explainable, interoperable, affordable and human-centred biomedical engineering systems. Sustainable innovation, ethical governance, workforce readiness and equitable deployment remain essential for strengthening intelligent healthcare ecosystems while maintaining patient safety, clinical accountability and overall practical feasibility.
Keywords: Smart hospitals, biomedical engineering, healthcare automation, artificial intelligence, wearable biosensors, robotic healthcare, digital health.