Robotic patients

Japanese scientists have created a robot designed to train medical students.

Robot Keiko. Photo: Crunchgear

This robot, called Keiko (Japanese for "practice"), is a collaboration between Gifu University scientists and the Mizuno Institute of Technology. Keiko is a female patient, released in Japan in early November.

As designed by Japanese experts, Keiko is an interactive robot shaped like a young woman who can mimic some of the neurological symptoms and reflexes with the touch of a doctor. In addition, Keiko can conduct simple conversations, such as answering the question, "How do you feel in person?" "I've been feeling tired lately."

Japanese researchers say the goal of the Keiko robot is to give students the opportunity to observe and diagnose rare brain and nervous system disorders in the classroom instead of practicing the disease. . Japanese manufacturers say they will continue to improve Keiko's robot to better serve medical students in the future.

Keiko is just one of the many robots that Japanese scientists have created to serve the practical needs of human activities. In Japan, making robots is almost compulsory. With more than a fifth of the population over age 65, the country is relying on robots to supplement its workforce and care for older people. Japan Robot Exhibition 2008, held from 11 to 13.10 in Yokohama, attracted the participation of more than 40 research institutes, companies across Japan, with many new products in the field of robot manufacturing. display.