Patient Lateral Transfer Market Size

Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market size was valued at USD 420.2 million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 462.64 million in 2024 to USD 998.95 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

The increase in the global geriatric population is contributing largely to the patient lateral transfer market. With advancing age, the population becomes susceptible to diseases like arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders that affect mobility. This age shift results in increased hospital admissions, long-term care requirements, and assisted living placements. Thus, healthcare providers are compelled to improve patient handling efficiency while maintaining safety and dignity. Lateral transfer equipment—air-assisted transfer systems and slide sheets—become critical instruments to transfer frail elderly patients with minimal physical exertion, preventing injury and enhancing the quality of care.

Occupational injuries to healthcare workers, and more so manual patient handling, are a subject of concern. Recurring patient lifting, turning, and moving may cause long-term musculoskeletal conditions that translate to vacancies, elevated compensation claims, and lower staff morale. As such, hospitals are shifting their focus towards employee protection through the introduction of ergonomic equipment such as lateral transfer devices. Such systems not only reduce the physical burden on caregivers but also meet safety standards and encourage zero-lift policies. Due to this, healthcare facilities are increasingly investing in such solutions because safeguarding employees means reduced costs of operation and enhanced service provision.

What Role does Sensor Fusion Play in AI-Enabled Patient Transfer Systems?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the patient lateral transfer market by improving safety, efficiency, and customization in patient handling. AI-enabled transfer systems apply sensor fusion, real-time posture detection, and adaptive force control to achieve accurate and gentle patient handling, thus minimizing the likelihood of injury to patients as well as caregivers. For example, the "Baize" robot utilizes AI-based navigation and touch sensors to unaidedly lift and reposition patients with mobility restriction for safe and comfortable transfers. The technology responds to the growing need for enhanced patient handling solutions, particularly in the light of an aging population and the necessity to reduce caregiver injuries.

In 2024, Canadian company Able Innovations released the ALTA Platform, an artificial intelligence-activated robotic system to automate the transfer of immobile patients. The technology allows a single care provider to transfer immobile patients easily and efficiently, decreasing the physical workload for healthcare professionals and lessening the risk of injury for staff and patients. The system has sensors to measure the type of mattress and positioning of the patient, guaranteeing efficient and safe transfers.