Recent medical innovations seem so futuristic that some would call them miracles. From paralyzed patients controlling robotic arms to researchers who grow new body parts, the medical world is fast changing. In the past five years, the number of new inventions in medical information technology has tripled, according to Chris Coburn, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations.

What's next on the horizon? New technologies could broaden the definition of traditional medical settings."Some can be delivered in the home, at work, or in the mall," Coburn said.In the US auto industry, for example, there is one robotic arm for every ten workers. Industrial robots lift heavy objects, handle chemicals, and paint and assemble parts. Rather than replace jobs, the robotic system is intended to free up more creative, fulfilling work for people instead. After all, the Czech word "robota" translates to "drudgery work."

Using a modified robotic arm, Dr. Alon Wolf and Dr. Howie Choset have developed a machine that can perform minimally-invasive surgery with great accuracy. The invention is called the "CardioARM" and has been designed for abdominal surgery, heart bypass surgery and mouth surgery, but can also be used to perform a laparoscopy, colonoscopy, and arthroscopy.