Can AI fix the operating room? This startup thinks so

The article discusses a significant yet often overlooked issue in healthcare: inefficiencies in operating room (OR) coordination, which result in hospitals losing two to four hours of OR time daily. This lost time is not due to the surgeries themselves but stems from manual scheduling, coordination challenges, and uncertainty around room turnover. Addressing this problem, the startup Akara has developed an AI-driven solution likened to "air traffic control" for hospitals, utilizing thermal sensors and artificial intelligence to optimize OR operations. Akara's innovative approach has gained notable recognition, including being named one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025. The company aims to streamline the complex logistics of OR management, reducing wasted time and associated costs for hospitals. The article highlights a conversation on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast between AI Editor Russell Brandom and Akara’s CEO Conor McGinn, emphasizing the practical impact of AI in healthcare beyond the typical hype around robots and automation.