Robot Dials 9-1-1

April 21, 2008 | Source: LiveScience

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have designed a two-wheeled robot, known as uBOT-5, as a in-home caregiver.

It has two arms capable of picking up small objects, using a stethoscope, and even dialing 9-1-1. Sensors near its video-screen head can figure out if someone has fallen.

It can also remind people to take their medication, pick up packages, do some cleaning and shopping, and even administer virtual house calls from doctors using a webcam, microphone, touch-sensitive LCD screen, and Internet connection.