Saskatchewan develops new medical robot to connect doctors with patients
Saskatchewan, a province in Canada, has produced a new robot to help connect doctors with patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for appointments. The robot, called PeTir, is controlled by a doctor and has been working at Regina General Hospital for nearly six months. PeTri's head is a video screen which allows patients to see the doctors face. The unit currently costs $200,000, but hospital officials say the savings could far exceed the cost. &nbsp;
A new medical robot in Saskatchewan is connecting doctors with patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for appointments.

The robot, called PeTir, has been on the job at Regina General Hospital for nearly six months. He’s not a doctor himself, but he’s controlled by one.

Using an internet-connected laptop, a doctor can control the robot, speak with a patient and examine charts or X-rays. A video screen that serves as PeTir’s head allows the patient to see the doctor's face.

Saskatchewan is believed to be the first province to introduce the technology. Two similar robots are currently being used in Saskatoon and the northern community of Pelican Narrows.

Hospital officials say each unit costs just over $200,000, but they say the savings could far exceed the cost.

Based on a report by CTV Regina’s Darrell Romuld