How 'Mitra', a robot became friend of patients, kin in times of Covid-19

 | Updated: Sep 18, 2020, 02:52 PM IST

An Indian hospital is taking the help of Mitra, which means friend in English, to connect coronavirus patients with their kin. 

Mitra, a robot, is the same robot that has gained attention after interacting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 at an event. 
 

Mitra robot

The eyes of Mitra are equipped with facial recognition technology which helps the robot remember people that were interacted with before. 
 

(Photograph:Reuters)

Mitra robot

The chest is attached with the robot allows kin to see the patient and medical staff who are unable to access the wards. Mitra is largely used by patients who are unable to communicate with their phones.
 

(Photograph:Reuters)

Mitra robot

"We mainly discuss my health," said Makhanlal Qazi, a retired government bureaucrat and Covid-19 patient who has taken the services of Mitra to talk with his family. 

"I came here on Friday and now I have started feeling better. I am feeling very happy now," as quoted by news agency Reuters. 

(Photograph:Reuters)

Mitra robot

The robot is also helping other specialists, like a psychologist or a dietician, to see a patient, thereby reducing the risks faced by doctors of getting infected with Covid-19. 
 

(Photograph:Reuters)
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Mitra robot

The robot developed by Bengaluru-based start-up cost the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida 1 million rupees ($13,600). 


 

(Photograph:Reuters)