A new global report predicts hospitals will increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital surveillance to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) over the next five years.
The study, Technologies for Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections: 2025–2030, estimates HAIs affect 136 million patients worldwide each year and calls for a shift from reactive cleaning to real-time, predictive prevention.
According to the report, two technology areas are driving change:
· Autonomous disinfection systems, including UV-C robots and antimicrobial surfaces that sterilize continuously.
· Smart monitoring tools, such as AI-enabled sensors and aerosol detectors that track contamination and alert staff before outbreaks occur.
Industry analysts say hospitals adopting these tools could reduce infection-related costs and improve patient safety, but they warn that implementation challenges remain. High upfront costs, integration with existing systems, regulatory hurdles, and limited long-term performance data could slow adoption.
For purchasing and supply chain leaders, the report suggests growing opportunities to partner with infection-prevention, facilities, and IT teams on evaluating new solutions. Analysts recommend assessing both technology readiness and return on investment as facilities plan upgrades.
“Automation won’t replace hygiene fundamentals,” the report notes, “but it can raise infection prevention to new levels of consistency and efficiency.”
