My questions have been prompted by recent stories about a robot to patrol an emergency room parking lot, a robot therapist treating soldiers with PTSD, and a robot leading a fitness class in a nursing home. No doubt you have many more. "A robot who listens without prejudice, responds kindly, and asks all the right questions has been hailed as an alternative to human doctors that will have huge benefits in the world of mental health," writes Nathan Jolly. The robot, which gathers evidence and track cues in patients suffering post-traumatic stress, is designed to "help patients be more truthful in therapy." "Ellie [the robot] may be adept at listening and responding, but she doesn't offer any treatment," Jolly admits.