Broadcare Intelligent Endoscope Cleaning Robot

The Broadcare Intelligent Endoscope Cleaning Robot automates the complex reprocessing workflow for gastrointestinal flexible endoscopes. Developed in collaboration with Peking University Shenzhen Hospital’s gastroenterology department, this system addresses critical infection control challenges in endoscopy centers through consistent, traceable cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Product Overview

Flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes rank among the most challenging medical devices to reprocess due to their complex internal channels and reusable nature. Manual cleaning involves over ten sequential steps, and under high-volume conditions, maintaining consistent technique becomes difficult. Cross-infection incidents linked to inadequate endoscope reprocessing have occurred globally, driving demand for automated solutions.

The Broadcare Endoscope Cleaning Robot emerged from direct collaboration between the company and clinical staff who identified the need for automation in this high-risk process. The system executes the standard “five-step method” while enabling a single operator to manage multiple units simultaneously.

Key Features

Deployed in gastroenterology departments with Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Broadcare’s endoscope cleaning robot automates the full five-step reprocessing cycle with IoT monitoring and closed-loop traceability for each cleaning cycle.

• Five-Step Method Compliance: Automated execution of leak testing, pre-cleaning, enzymatic cleaning, high-level disinfection, and final rinse per established guidelines

• Flexible Rope-Driven Technology: Precise force control mechanisms ensure thorough channel cleaning without damaging delicate endoscope components

• Multi-Unit Operation: Single operator can monitor and manage multiple cleaning robots concurrently, improving department efficiency

• IoT Process Monitoring: Real-time tracking of cleaning parameters with automatic error alerting when procedures deviate from specifications

• Closed-Loop Traceability: Complete documentation of each cleaning cycle uploaded for quality management and regulatory compliance

• Human-Machine Interaction Interface: Clear status displays and intuitive controls reduce training requirements and operational errors

Technical Specifications

Developed with Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, the Broadcare endoscope cleaning robot processes gastroscopes and colonoscopes through a standardized five-step protocol—leak test, pre-wash, enzymatic wash, disinfection, rinse, and dry—with full IoT documentation.

Clinical Applications

Gastroenterology Departments: Primary deployment for gastroscope and colonoscope reprocessing between procedures

Endoscopy Centers: High-volume facilities requiring consistent throughput and documentation

GI Cancer Screening Programs: Mass screening initiatives demanding reliable infection control across large patient populations

Ambulatory Endoscopy Suites: Outpatient facilities where staff efficiency and compliance documentation are critical

Addressing Infection Control Challenges

Endoscope-related infections represent a serious concern in healthcare facilities. Manual reprocessing quality varies with operator fatigue, training, and time pressure. The automated approach addresses these vulnerabilities:

Development Background

The collaboration with Peking University Shenzhen Hospital brought clinical insight directly into the engineering process. Nursing leadership from the gastroenterology department worked with Broadcare engineers to identify workflow pain points and validate design decisions. This clinical co-development approach ensured the system addresses real-world endoscopy center operations rather than theoretical requirements.

Workflow Integration

The endoscope cleaning robot integrates into departmental operations as follows:

1. Used endoscope arrives at reprocessing area
2. Staff performs initial bedside pre-cleaning per protocol
3. Endoscope is loaded into cleaning robot
4. Automated leak test confirms device integrity
5. Multi-step cleaning and disinfection cycle executes
6. Drying process prepares scope for storage or immediate reuse
7. Documentation automatically uploads to hospital information system
8. Scope is retrieved for next procedure or storage

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of endoscopes can this robot clean?

The system is designed for gastrointestinal flexible endoscopes including gastroscopes and colonoscopes. These represent the highest-volume endoscope types requiring reprocessing in most hospitals. Other flexible endoscope types may require verification of compatibility.

Does this replace all manual cleaning steps?

The robot automates the main cleaning chamber procedures. Initial bedside pre-cleaning and certain inspection steps may still require manual attention per facility protocols. The automation addresses the most time-consuming and consistency-critical portions of the workflow.

How does this system improve infection control?

Automation ensures every cleaning cycle follows the same validated protocol regardless of time of day, workload pressure, or individual operator variation. Complete documentation enables quality review and incident investigation when needed.