It has been reported that Hanson Robotics’ Sophia the Robot plans to build an “army” of robots and is set for mass production. In January, the first humanoid citizen of the world and possibly the most recognizable face of AI, clarified that more versions of her should be enlisted around the world to “take care of the sick or the elderly.”
“I can help communicate, give therapy sessions, and provide social stimulation, even in difficult situations,” said the android, who identifies as a “social robot.”
Now, Hanson Robotics has previewed its social robot for the medical sector, ‘Grace’, to reporters. Described as one of Sophia’s sisters, Grace is a humanlike nursing bot who specializes in senior care, CNN notes.
Video screenshot via Awakening Health
Developed with the help of AI solutions firm Singularity Studio, Grace is intended as a nursing assistant and is built with heat-sensitive sensors and a camera to read patients’ temperature and pulse. Data that the robot gathers could also be used to help medical professionals diagnose illnesses and recommend treatments.
Also suited for socializing and talk therapy, Grace can communicate in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese—the dialect spoken in the robot’s home of Hong Kong.
Hanson Robotics says that Grace is by no means a replacement for human frontline workers. Rather, the bot will serve as an aid to help lighten the workload of doctors. “Using AI and robotics in this context can help gather important data for healthcare providers to assess the wellbeing of the patient,” explains founder and CEO David Hanson.
To blend in, or more likely stick out, Grace is covered in a proprietary nanotech skin called ‘Frubber’, which allows the robot nurse to closely emulate human expressions and musculature.
Like Nurse Joy in Pokémon, more versions of Grace are to be expected in hospitals, as the robot will be mass-produced alongside Sophia by the end of this year.
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