Two robots of pregnant women, who give birth to robot infants, recently checked in to University Medical Center.
While it would make even bigger headlines if the two robots were part of an alien invasion, they are instead teaching tools purchased with a $40,000 grant.
The mom robots are named “Noelle” and they give birth to “Baby Hal.” Unfortunately, it seems the two blond robots are identical, which will hopefully not lead to any baby mix-ups, but they can be programmed to do different things.
Here’s more from the UMC news release:
Noelle can be programmed to simulate a long or short labor. A motor pushes a lifelike plastic baby out of the birth canal and even expels an ersatz placenta. She can simulate a variety of childbirth complications, from a breech delivery to hemorrhage to the baby being born with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck.
Noelle’s pulse and respiration rises and falls, she urinates and bleeds, and students can practice inserting an IV, intubating her airway, resuscitating her though CPR or delivering her baby with forceps or a vacuum.
Noelle even talks. “It’s really hurting now!” and “The baby is coming!” are among dozens of her pre-programmed vocalizations. Rynnote: It doesn’t say if she screams, swears or bites through metal objects in pain.
The lifelike newborn robot can be programmed to change colors from a healthy pink to the dusky blue of oxygen deficiency, and to simulate seizures, allowing doctors and nurses to practice their resuscitation skills.
The automaton recently made her debut to a group of third-year students from the UA College of Medicine in UMC’s Labor and Delivery Unit
Wow. Kind of creepy but very snappy.
Keeping this robot concept in mind, we should get extra Baby Hals to pass out to pregnant mothers so they learn to not shake, slap or forget about infants in their cribs for 18-hour stretches.
We should also add some robot dogs, cats, hamsters and birds so folks can learn how to properly take care of pets.
And where’s that Rosie Robot who is supposed to come clean my house?
What do you think?
Is this an awesome concept or a waste of money?
Would a robot help you learn things you need to know?
Will robots really take over the world, as we’ve all been promised?
Jen! I would say I'm astounded. However, I expect that technology will lead to no good end. Never mind me, I just never cared for too MUCH of technology. :}
Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 11:17AM
MIISRAEL Bride
I was fascinated when I read this news the other day and thought that you guys would be as well... or maybe not. Ha!
Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 4:30PM
Jen Fad
