E-Magazine: The COVID-19 Patient Companion
The COVID-19 Patient Companion
Many believe that the worst symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath, but many do not realize that loneliness is just as impactful to those who have contracted the virus. As the pandemic spreads across the globe, humanity has found itself amid isolation- a term that has become all too familiar during these times. With all of this newfound “free” time, scientists have created a healthcare robot, named Grace, which serves to keep COVID-19 patients company as they face hardships.
Originally known as Sophia, this humanoid robot has now made strides in COVID-19 assistance technology. She is currently being utilized to alleviate the amount of stress that healthcare workers are experiencing, seeing that they have been subjected to an immense amount of demand. Grace provides aid by socially interacting with patients, doing talk therapy, taking bio readings, and even determining temperature through a thermal camera that is placed in her chest. Along with this, Grace can also speak English, Mandarin, and Cantonese to make speaking easier for patients. Grace’s human-like appearance is possible because of her more than 48 major facial muscles, which facilitate familiarity during patient interaction. With a caring demeanor, Grace can spark a sense of commiseration in patients who are struggling both mentally and physically.
The emotional toll of COVID-19 is often overlooked, causing many to become skeptical of Grace’s usefulness. The reality behind the production of these humanoid robots becomes evident in instances where humans themselves are overwhelmed by the demands of this virus. With long working hours and seemingly no end in sight, creations such as Grace are steadily increasing in demand in efforts to aid those who need it the most- the patients. In the world of healthcare, Grace’s prevalence has cultivated a bridge between artificial intelligence technology and medicine. Artificial intelligence in healthcare has been used to increase the standard of care that is provided to patients and with the help of Grace, patients can receive emotional support during trying times.
Looking towards the future, it has become evident that technology has influenced every aspect of our lives- including our medical care. Grace specifically aims to lessen the emotional burden that is imposed upon patients with the use of her 24/7 cheerfulness. In a world full of vaccinations and masks, Grace makes things easier for healthcare providers in terms of workload and it is comforting to know that society is being positively impacted by the creation of humanoid robots who serve to prioritize those who require support.
- Sriya Sirigireddy
Read more here: https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/photos-meet-grace-the-healthcare-robot-covid-19-created-1.1623237266225?slide=1