Noelle the First Pregnant Robot

NOELLE™, THE FIRST PREGNANT ROBOT

NOELLE™ was created in 2006 by Florida-based company Gaumard Scientific  and has been increasingly used to train doctors and nurses deal with complications of pregnancy. The high-end model retails for $20,000 and comes equipped with several umbilical cords, dilating devices, vulva (for simulating post partum suturing), and even two robot babies (one birthing baby and one interactive neonate)!

NOELLE™ is controlled via a wireless PC and can simulate various birthing scenarios, including shoulder dystocia and PPH, vertex as well as breech positions, and C-section deliveries…all while producing her own speech and convulsions. The robot smoothly transitions between physiologic states in response to computer commands, and the user can choose from one of the many pre-programmed scenarios or create their own. Last but not least, both NOELLE™ and the baby robot can be monitored using regular hospital equipment.

It appears to be a typical scene in one of our labor and delivery suites. The mother in labor is asking for pain relief as the medical team checks monitors and prepares for the imminent arrival of a baby. But, wait! That’s not a real patient. It’s NOELLE™, the Pregnant Robot, a computerized birthing simulator!

The newest addition to CGH’s teaching tools, the English and Spanish speaking simulator features a full-sized, female mannequin and baby who, thanks to advanced wireless software, can mimic a wide range of emergency situations in pregnancy and childbirth. She has a removable abdomen and a mechanical guide that slowly leads the baby mannequin through the birth canal. A fake placenta and umbilical cord are also provided, along with Newborn HAL, whom staff can work with after the delivery.

“The simulator’s computer software allows OB staff members to program a variety of complications and delivery situations for NOELLE,” said OB Director Kathy Milby. For example, NOELLE can have a breech or C-section delivery; experience...