UT-designed autonomous robot might be rolling into a hospital near you

Seton Medical Center Austin is taking a first, cautious step into the world of robots programmed to function like people. This week, the hospital system introduced Poli, a University of Texas-designed robot that -- once the bugs are worked out -- will assist nurses as they go about the business of taking care of people. Poli is vaguely anthropomorphic, with a head and a body but a limited ability to speak. It moves about on wheels and grabs things with a grasping arm. The robot won't be working directly with patients, Seton officials say.