by Park Jeongyeon
Published 27 Apr.2026 08:20(KST)
Samsung Medical Center has become the first in Korea to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring technology and motion detection sensors throughout its hospital wards, creating an inpatient environment that enables 24-hour patient safety management without direct intervention from medical staff.
On April 27, Samsung Medical Center announced the opening of its new "Smart Ward" featuring these capabilities. The project began with a 2023 satisfaction survey of approximately 1,000 discharged patients, after which the "Future Hospital Task Force" under the Cardiovascular Hospital spent more than two years developing the ward’s concept and operational system. The core objective is to minimize monitoring blind spots.
The implemented Smart Ward uses AI-powered ultra-miniature wearable devices to continuously measure blood pressure, electrocardiogram data, and oxygen saturation levels. This data is shared in real-time on patient tablets and medical staff monitors. By reducing the need for nurses to enter rooms at night to check vital signs, the quality of patients' sleep is expected to improve. To mitigate the risk of falls, radar-based sensors are installed in both the patient room and bathroom, sending instant alerts to the nurses' station upon early detection. The smart toilet in the bathroom measures pulse and body temperature, displaying the results on a smart mirror and issuing a voice alert if any abnormal signs are detected.
For patient convenience, a facial recognition-based access system has been introduced, and room lighting, temperature, and curtains can be controlled via tablet or voice recognition. Key information such as test results, medical schedules, and meal plans, as well as chat and video call features with medical staff, can be viewed on a large screen in the room together with caregivers.
To enhance work efficiency for medical staff, the Smart Ward is equipped with an AI avatar-based automatic generation feature for disease education videos. When medical staff input educational content, a customized video featuring an AI avatar is produced, reducing the burden of repeated explanations and allowing patients to receive personalized education in their rooms. Companion robots for emotional support will also be introduced on a pilot basis.
Park Kyungmin, Head of the Future Hospital Task Force and professor of cardiology, stated, "We have established an environment that can detect emergencies early without disturbing patients' rest, and have strengthened safety management features to cover even potential blind spots." Park Seungwoo, President of Samsung Medical Center, added, "The Smart Ward encapsulates Samsung Medical Center’s commitment to delivering warmer healthcare through technology, and we will continue to set new standards for patient-centered innovation in the future of medicine."
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