Life Living in a Future Smart City: Daytime

Dr. Jacquelyn Schreck, Human Factors Engineer

Catch up with Part 1: Morning Routine, first!

“SEAA, what is going on outside?” I ask. 

“It appears there is construction taking place, and traffic is not being rerouted.” 

When I look outside, I am shocked to see that there is indeed a building being constructed where there used to be a large plot of land. This is land that was supposed to be turned into a park, but apparently, someone decided it would be better suited as an apartment complex. Obviously, this was not approved by the city, as the computers in these cars had no idea this issue would be here, and the city has an automated process that keeps people and cars up to date on the goings on. This land was previously said to be a dedicated park area, and I wonder if this building company has the approval to be building or if they are another company that has decided a plot of land would be better suited for something less green since it has become a priority to preserve what greenery we have left. What has changed is the citizens. We also care about keeping the environment healthy but apparently, this company does not. Sighing, I rest back against my seat and resume working for the remainder of my trip to the hospital. 

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Image created using Dall-E 2

When I arrive, SEAA, also integrated into my workspace, alerts me that my patient is already present and the operating room has been prepared. 

“Good morning, doctor,” my patient says to me. 

“Good morning. Are you ready for your appendectomy? It is a straightforward procedure, and our newest robotic programming, the one we are using on you today, has a 100% treatment rate.” 

She gives me a tight smile and nods, but I know she will be pleased with the fact that she will be in and out of the operating room in under 10 minutes and able to walk out of the hospital within the hour. I prep my patient for surgery, and she is wheeled into the room. A nurse puts my gloves on for me, which is really a redundant procedure since I will not be touching the patient, but in an emergency, it is possible, so it is better to be safe than sorry. During surgery, I still need to guide SEAA a couple of times, but overall, she performs flawlessly, and there is no need for any hands-on intervention from me. 

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My only surgery of the day is done, so I think I will work from home analyzing abnormalities in the data sent from people’s home mirrors. I will easily be able to prescribe their medication for any ailments if needed. 
SEAA summons the car, knowing it is my routine to leave right after my last surgery, and it’s waiting for me by the time I get to the door. 

Food for thought: 
How do you feel about putting your life in the hands of a robotic surgical program with the reassurance that a doctor is watching? Is it comforting or concerning that a robot is performing the surgery? Leave your thoughts in the comments! 

Don't forget to read part 3: Life Living in a Future Smart City: Evening Routine