The article discusses Sword Health, a digital physical therapy startup valued at $3 billion, and its plans to eliminate the need for human physical therapists by 2024. The company uses motion-tracking technology and artificial intelligence to create personalized physical therapy programs for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries. Sword Health claims its AI-powered system can match or outperform human therapists in terms of treatment outcomes. The startup aims to make physical therapy more accessible and affordable by cutting out the need for in-person visits with therapists. However, the article raises concerns about the potential impact on employment for physical therapists and the quality of care provided by AI systems compared to human experts. It also highlights the broader debate around the role of AI in healthcare and the ethical considerations surrounding the displacement of human professionals by technology.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/3-billion-sword-health-cuts-physical-therapists-2024-11