Robots provide counselling to COVID-19 patients in northern India

Authorities at northern India's Uttar Pradesh hospitals have equipped their COVID-19 ward with ‘Mitra’ robots that provide patients counselling and connect them to their family via video calls.

Footage of the robots in action came from Noida extension’s Yatharth hospitals.

At non-COVID hospitals of Yatharth in Sector-110 Noida and Omega-1 greater Noida, this robot is used for screen flu symptoms at the hospital entrance.

One robot is seen stationed at the hospital entrance where it asks visitors their details and checks their temperature for accurate results using radiation technology.

The robot also goes inside suite rooms where Yatharth’s psychiatrist speaks to patients through robots through with the help of screens attached to its chest.

It then asks a few questions on symptoms of cold and cough.

If the temperature of the individual is normal with no signs of cough and cold, the robot prints an entry pass that mentions screening results along with the name and picture of the person.

Mitra, meaning 'friend' in Hindi, is best known for interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in 2017.

Its eyes are equipped with facial recognition technology to help it recall people it has previously interacted with.

A tablet attached to Mitra's chest allows patients to see loved ones, as well as medical staff unable to access the wards.

Mitra is mainly used by patients who are not able to communicate using their phones.

The robot, developed by Bengaluru-based start-up Invento Robotics, cost the hospital Rs.

10,00,000 ($13,600), according to Yatharth Tyagi, director of the company that runs the hospital.