Frighteningly accurate child robot that has seizures and bleeds could help doctors save lives

LAS VEGAS — A childlike robot that can have seizures and even bleeds with disturbing accuracy could help doctors train to save young lives in an emergency.

The makers of the “Pedia_Roid” are calling it the “world’s first humanoid” designed specifically for healthcare professionals training in pediatric emergency care. The robot can realistically simulate the jittery movements a child makes when they’re reluctant to receive treatment or experience a sudden change in their medical condition.

In contrast to motionless dummies which are common in most medical training, Pedia_Roid displays realistic childlike behaviors such as kicking and screaming in fear or pain.

Pedia_Roid child robot
The humanoid displays common emotions in child patients including anxiety, fear and resistance, changes in facial color, pupils, and breathing sounds.

Japanese robotic startup tmsuk says they developed the realistic robot because there are few opportunities for clinical training with children in the medical field.

“It can reproduce in detail the expression of emotions such anxiety, fear and resistance, changes in facial color, pupils, and breathing sounds,” the company explains in a media release.

“In addition to dental treatment, the system can be used for training in various fields of pediatric medicine, including emergency care.”

Pedia_Roid child robot
The child robot features replaceable teeth that can be manipulated for dentists and oral surgeons to practice on.

Pedia_Roid can even help dental students

Tmsuk officials note that users can customize the simulations via PC. With 24 programmable drive shafts, the doll is able to mimic joint movements even as complex as a seizure. Compressed air actuators keep the robot from breaking while medical students hold the Pedia_Roid down, and its arms and legs flap and swing erratically.

Pedia_Roid also features a beating heart, replenishable imitation blood, and replaceable individual teeth that dental students can shave or drill.

“We pulled together our robotic expertise to create a humanoid that suddenly falls ill or presents drastic changes in symptoms, so medical trainees can experience tense moments and learn how to save lives under tremendous pressure,” tmsuk CEO Yuji Kawakubo says in a statement.

“New doctors, nurses and EMTs often panic under pressure because they’ve only practiced on motionless dummies. Pedia_Roid not only develops symptoms but also throws a tantrum, forcing students to hold it down while trying to treat the child. It’s an ultimate emergency simulator.”

Pedia_Roid child robot
The humanoid displays common emotions in child patients including anxiety, fear and resistance, changes in facial color, pupils, and breathing sounds.

Tmsuk introduced the Pedia_Roid at CES 2022, one of the most influential tech events in the world.

South West News Service writer Dean Murray contributed to this report.

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