Most men have fantasies that a sexy nurse will come treat them during times of illness and injury, but the RIBA robot nurse flushes that notion down the drain as it resembles a friendly bear instead. RIBA stands for “Robot for Interactive Body Assistance”, and was specially developed by researchers at Japan’s Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. (TRI). It will not function as a primary nurse but act as an assistant instead, helping nurses lift patients in and out of their beds and wheelchairs, as well as help out in toilet duties. Tipping the scales at 180kg, RIBA is able to pick up and carry folks as long as they don’t weigh more than 61kgs. Would you rather have a bear-like robot or one of those humanoids that have realistic skin and features of a blow-up doll? We’re not sure which one creeps us out more.
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