Frequently Asked Questions

The Aethon TUG is an autonomous mobile robot that provides an affordable, automated courier system for the delivery and tracking of hospital goods and supplies. TUG requires no extra infrastructure investment, is simple to install and has many applications such as central supply, dietary, pharmacy, laboratory, and nursing. Many hospitals have deployed multiple TUGs to save time and money, while increasing staff and patient satisfaction.

TUG has an onboard computer containing a programmed map of the building. TUG also has sensors that continuously track its location on the map. TUG does NOT require any structural changes to the building such as wires in the floor or sensors in the ceiling.

TUG has a matrix of sensors known as light whiskers^® to detect people or obstacles. These whiskers look for anything in its path. If TUG sees an obstacle or person, it navigates around it and continues on its way.

Yes. TUG can communicate wirelessly with elevators and automatic doors so that it can travel between floors and go through doorways automatically.

No. TUG uses significantly higher radio frequencies than any other hospital systems, equipment or devices to avoid interference. Specifically, healthcare devices operate between the very low frequencies of 300 KHz and 30 MHz. TUG uses the much higher frequencies of 418 MHz and 2.4 GHz.

The only parts of TUG that require occasional replacement are the batteries, the motors, and the wheels, all of which are covered under Aethon’s Maintenance Agreement.

TUG automatically docks itself on its charging station and controls its own charging. No user intervention is required at all. TUG docks itself between deliveries to keep the charge as full as possible.

TUG itself is quite small, measuring only 7-1/4''H x 20''W and weighs 55 lbs. The size of TUG is really defined by the size of the cart. If the cart fits through doorways and into elevators before attaching to TUG, it will work just as well with it.

No. TUG uses commercially available, off-the-shelf carts. 

TUG can use virtually all types of carts. You select the one that is most appropriate for the application.

That is up to you. Aethon offers several TUG models. One model connects to the cart permanently when security is paramount or exchangeability is not part of the application. Other models allow for automatic drop-off and pick-up of exchange carts.

No. TUG is the perfect complement to any tube system. TUG can deliver to locations where the tube system can’t. TUG delivers heavier/bulkier items (up to 500 lbs.) than a tube system can handle such as IV’s and other supplies. TUG can safely deliver test tubes and other samples without the risk of breakage and bio-hazard cleanup.

Leveraging the TUG platform, Aethon deploys a mobile antenna inside TUG that eliminates the typical infrastructure hurdles of competitors’ systems. Aethon’s asset tracking solution works with any third-party active RFID and can be integrated into existing asset management software. Aethon provides installation, tag selection and setup, software integration, training and support.

The Aethon asset tracking system combines the mobility of autonomous, wireless robotics with the tracking capabilities of RFID technology. Aethon’s TUG moves throughout the hospital reading RFID-tagged equipment as it passes. Once TUG has identified where equipment is located, the data can be uploaded to any asset tracking software providing overall visibility to the locations of hospital assets.

Aethon's Service Desk is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number is 1-888-201-9522. Most calls can be solved by Aethon via remote access to each TUG or by the hospital with guidance from the customer service agent. If on-site service is required, an Aethon service technician will be dispatched.