Convergence of low-power processing technologies and telemedicine applications: Enabling the future of remote healthcare

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery by enabling remote patient care and continuous monitoring, with adoption dramatically accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the core of this transformation are low-power processors, which address critical energy constraints in wearable health devices, portable diagnostics, and remote monitoring systems. This article explores the symbiotic relationship between low-power processing technologies and telemedicine applications, examining how energy-efficient architectures, ultra-low-power microcontrollers, and specialized AI accelerators enable extended device operation while maintaining clinical effectiveness. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in balancing computational capabilities with power constraints, addressing security vulnerabilities, and navigating regulatory complexities. Emerging processor technologies, including neuromorphic computing and heterogeneous architectures, promise to overcome current limitations. As telemedicine continues to evolve, low-power processors will remain fundamental enablers of sustainable, accessible, and effective remote healthcare solutions.