Operating room coordination in hospitals is a critical aspect of healthcare that often goes unnoticed. While AI and robots are getting a lot of attention in the industry, the real issue at hand is the inefficiencies in OR scheduling and coordination. According to recent data, hospitals are losing two to four hours of valuable OR time every day due to manual scheduling, coordination chaos, and uncertainty about room turnover.
In a recent episode of JS’s Equity podcast, Conor McGinn, the co-founder and CEO of Akara, discussed how his startup is revolutionizing hospital operations with their innovative technology. Akara’s solution, which was recognized as one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025, functions as an air traffic control system for hospitals using thermal sensors and AI.
By subscribing to Equity on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify, listeners can stay updated on the latest developments in the healthcare industry. Additionally, following Equity on social media platforms like Twitter and Threads can provide valuable insights and updates on the groundbreaking work being done by companies like Akara.
In conclusion, while AI and robots hold promise in healthcare, it’s crucial to address the immediate challenges hospitals face in OR coordination. By leveraging innovative solutions like Akara’s technology, hospitals can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately improve patient care.
