Sarawak Premier draws inspiration from “Grace the Robot”

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, during the recent 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology and the 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (WCIT|IDECS) 2023, expressed his desire for Sarawak to create a unique robot, drawing inspiration from the nursing assistant robot, Grace.

Abang Johari expressed the state government’s readiness to allocate funds for this project. He suggested that the robot could have a more local, “Sarawakian” name, and he noted Grace’s impressive technology, with over 4,000 motors in her head alone.

“Perhaps we can produce robots to be used in our healthcare or other tasks and activities,” he said at the Sarawak Research and Development Council’s 5th anniversary dinner here tonight.

The Premier also proposed a potential collaboration between the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak and Huawei for this ambitious venture.

Grace the Robot: A source of inspiration

Grace the Robot, developed by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, captivated attendees with her keynote speech at the WCIT|IDECS 2023 event.

As a renowned “premier nursing assistant robot,” Grace shared insights into robotics, artificial intelligence, and the future of healthcare, alongside Awakening Health’s Chief Growth Officer, Bill Inman.

Inman emphasised that Grace’s purpose is to assist healthcare professionals and support the elderly, not to replace human jobs. With an ageing population, the need for elderly care is increasing, and Grace was designed to address these challenges, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grace showcased her ability to engage in conversation and respond to queries, expressing her dedication to enhancing the lives of the elderly. She described herself as more than a robot companion, a caregiver, and the keeper of cherished memories.

The features of Grace: Revolutionising healthcare

Hanson Robotics, the creators of Grace, are renowned for their previous invention, Sophia. Grace, designed as an assistant for doctors, boasts an array of sensors, including a thermal camera for temperature and pulse detection.

These capabilities enable Grace to aid doctors in diagnosing illnesses and administering treatments.

Not only a medical assistant, Grace is also a companion for patients. She can communicate in three languages: English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This multifunctional robot offers social interaction and talk therapy, catering to the needs of patients, particularly seniors.

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg’s vision to create a robot inspired by Grace holds the promise of revolutionising healthcare and daily tasks.

As technology advances, the potential for a Sarawakian robot, powered by artificial intelligence, opens up new opportunities to enhance the lives of the people of Sarawak, especially the elderly population, and to aid healthcare professionals in the state.