Hanson Robotics of Hong Kong created a new humanoid robot, aimed at the health market, to accompany coronavirus patients who are isolated in geriatrics and hospitals.” I can visit people and brighten their day with social stimulation… but I can also do talk therapy, take bioreadings and help health care providers,” Grace herself told Reuters in her presentation.
The scientist who designed it, David Hanson, explained that resemblance to a doctor and his ability to social interaction is intended to ease the burden on staff: “A human appearance facilitates trust and natural engagement because we are programmed for face-to-face human interactions.” The robot is capable of simulating the action of more than 48 facial muscles and speaking in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
The company Hanson Robotics, which built Grace, receives praise for its previous robot Sophia that had its formal presentation in March 2016 and that a year and a half later, became the first robot to obtain Saudi citizenship.
David Lake, chief executive of the joint venture between Hanson Robotics and Singularity Studio, said the intent is to mass-produce a beta version of Grace by August. He also added that there are plans to fully implement it next year in places like Hong Kong, China, Japan and Korea.
