US startup unveils humanoid robot to help hospital labs with routine testing work

U.S. startup Tactus AI has unveiled Elsie, a humanoid robot built to automate repetitive work in clinical laboratories.

Elsie is a two-armed autonomous lab assistant that uses sensors and physical AI to operate existing instruments.

It can handle samples, perform routine tasks, and support staff by following validated lab procedures.

The approach could help hospitals and diagnostic labs boost automation without replacing equipment, easing staffing shortages and improving throughput.