The Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa, together with the University of Pisa and the Maugeri Institute in Milan, has presented Alter-Ego. This 120 cm humanoid robot is designed to assist patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Equipped with wheels and soft robotic hands, it can be controlled remotely by doctors or operate autonomously to guide, inform, and accompany patients both in the hospital and at home.
Telepresence and autonomy for daily care 🤖
Alter-Ego integrates a telepresence system that allows doctors to intervene remotely, and an autonomous or semi-autonomous mode for tasks such as administering assessment scales or providing basic information. Its soft robotic hands and reduced size facilitate interaction in tight spaces. The project was developed with direct collaboration from doctors, therapists, nurses, and patients from the initial phase, ensuring that the functions respond to real needs in both clinical and home environments.
The office colleague who doesn't ask for coffee or vacations 😄
At 120 cm tall, Alter-Ego is shorter than average, but promises not to complain about the air conditioning or ask for a raise. However, if you expect it to tell you a bad joke in the waiting room, don't get your hopes up: its humor is more robotic than that of a voice assistant. At least it won't interrupt you with cat memes while you try to explain your symptoms.