Magdeburg University Hospital gets its first humanoid robot
The University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Magdeburg is receiving a humanoid robot for use in the clinic. It is the first of its kind at Magdeburg University Hospital and is intended to support the work of doctors and nurses. It will also inform patients and create a good atmosphere.
The robot, which is 1.20 metres tall and weighs 28 kilograms, will be used in the University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery under the direction of Prof. Dr Jens Wippermann. It is planned to use it on the hospital's normal ward, where it will help to support medical care. The robot is affectionately known as ‘Otto’ on the ward. He has the important task of informing patients about their planned treatments, current progress and other relevant topics. But Otto is much more than just a provider of information: he will also actively interact with patients and make their stay as interesting and entertaining as possible. With his friendly nature and extensive knowledge, Otto helps to ensure that patients feel they are in good hands and receive the best possible care.
Otto the robot has a set sequence of information that he can pass on to patients. This concerns the pre-operative process, whereby he provides information about the clinic and the ward procedures, as well as details about the operation and the surgical information. He also provides information and carries out enquiries about the post-operative course. Otto also has a repertoire of entertainment, including poems, dances, games and quizzes.
Photo: Prof. Dr Jens Wippermann, Director of the University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Magdeburg (2nd from left), ward manager of the cardiac surgery ward nurse Julia (left), assistant doctor Rauf Safarov (right) and programmer Daniel Bauer (2nd from right), together with robot Otto. Photographer: Sarah Kossmann/UMMD
Otto can also explain exactly what magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is, how the examination works, how long it takes, what risks it harbours and what alternatives are available. The robot shows images of the MRI machine and a film that illustrates the entire procedure.
What skills is Otto the robot equipped with?
With its sensors, Otto can ‘measure’ its surroundings and therefore move independently. He can also hold conversations with patients and answer everyday questions such as ‘When is the next meal?’, ‘Where is my room?’ or ‘Where can I get coffee?’. Otto can show emotions himself by adjusting his speaking speed, volume, pitch and pauses in speech. He emphasises different feelings through his gestures, posture, eye contact and the colour change of the LEDs in his eyes. His arms and hands are also used to communicate. To make them appear more lively, Otto moves them autonomously and randomly, even when they are not being actively used.
Patients and staff alike are looking forward to the new ‘employee’ on the ward. Otto the robot inspires with its mixture of entertainment and informative interaction and is a real highlight on the ward.