Or should we call him…Robutt?
Scientists have developed a hands-on robot named Patrick to help medical students with prostate exams.
Intimate exams can be nerve-wracking because students don't have many opportunities to practice, and the simulator allows them to get immediate feedback from the robot, KQED Science's blog Future of You reports.
“Our goal is to get students more comfortable with these mortifying scenarios,” lead designer Dr. Benjamin Lok told KQED.
Andrew Robb / University of Florida
Patrick isn't just a physical entity: He's actually a patient you can interact with to bolster your bedside manner.
The software mimics a scenario a doctor might encounter, including sussing out why he's there, his symptoms — even his medical and family history.
Researchers from the University of Florida, Drexel University, and the University of Wisconsin collaborated to build the technology, which was funded by the National Science Foundation.
Andrew Robb / University of Florida
But Patrick isn't the most complacent patient: He needs some convincing to get the crucial exam.
Who can blame him for not wanting to drop trou?
Andrew Robb / University of Florida
But unlike most patients, Patrick is extremely astute and knows what you're doing wrong.
Inside his butt, he has four sensors and will communicate to you if you're applying too much (or too little) pressure or if you've missed a spot.
Andrew Robb / University of Florida