Medical robots start work at London hospital

Science-fiction moved a step closer to reality on Wednesday when robots nicknamed 'Sister Mary' and 'Doctor Robbie' started work at a London hospital.

Science-fiction moved a step closer to reality on Wednesday when robots nicknamed 'Sister Mary' and 'Doctor Robbie' started work at a London hospital. The pair allow doctors to visually examine and communicate with patients, whether they are in another part of the hospital or even another part of the world.

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"This is a revolutionary concept which opens new avenues in telemedicine research and integrates technology with healthcare," said Professor Sir Ara Darzi in a statement.

Darzi, head of surgery, anaesthetics and intensive care at London's prestigious Imperial College is also a practising surgeon at St Mary's hospital in Paddington, west London.

The 5-foot high robots are controlled remotely by a doctor via a joystick.

Doctors can look at patients thanks to a camera mounted on top of the robot while patients can see their doctors via a screen on the robots' "face." Patients can be asked questions and medical records — such as X-rays and test results — can be read.