Title: Advancing medical waste management: a review of robotic arm applications in healthcare settings

Authors: Himanshu Mangalmurti Lanjewar; Sandip Tukaram Chavan; Mahesh Vasantrao Kulkarni

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Survey No. 124, Paud Rd., Kothrud, 411038 Pune, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Survey No. 124, Paud Rd., Kothrud, 411038 Pune, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Survey No. 124, Paud Rd., Kothrud, 411038 Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: This review analyses the integration and application of robotic arms in medical waste management, emphasising their potential to move forward effectiveness, precision, and supportability in healthcare environments. Robotic arms automate basic assignments such as waste segregation, operating room assistance, and hazardous material handling. The study analyses their effectiveness in addressing persistent challenges like improper waste sorting, manual handling inefficiencies, and disease risks. Through evaluation of existing advancements and design considerations along with insights from a real-world case study at Sub District Hospital, Kurkheda this review outlines how robotic arms can reduce human mistake, shorten waste handling time, and improve overall security. Key findings show that robotic waste handling systems offer quantifiable advancements in compliance and operational reliability. The paper concludes by highlighting their transformative part in achieving environmentally responsible and cost-effective healthcare operations, especially in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: waste segregation; robotic solution; biomedicals; hospital; artificial intelligence; robotic operating system; ROS; you only look once; YOLO; human-robot collaboration; HRC; robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery; RAMIS; Gazebo.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2026.155917

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2026 Vol.40 No.4, pp.429 - 445

Received: 25 Mar 2025
Accepted: 08 Jul 2025
Published online: 26 Aug 2026 *

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