Slashdot Mirror


Researchers Create Vomiting Robot To Analyze Contagions

iComp points out an interesting project in Derbyshire, northern England. "Bioboffins at the Health and Safety Laboratory in Derbyshire, UK, have developed a robot that can projectile vomit on command as a tool for studying the spread of the highly infectious norovirus. Reuters reports that the hyperemetic droid has been dubbed 'Vomiting Larry' by its creator, researcher Catherine Makison, who describes it as a 'humanoid simulated vomiting system.' The goal of said vomiting system is to study the reach and dispersion of human vomitus, which is one of the primary ways that diseases such as norovirus can spread. Norovirus is a fairly common viral infection that is sometimes known as the 'winter vomiting bug' due to its increased prevalence in the colder months. Outbreaks are generally triggered when humans ingest contaminated food or water, but can continue when subsequent people come in contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by the initial patient's effluvium."

4 of 65 comments (clear)

  1. Oh, great... by Shoten · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Two bots and a cup."

    --

    For your security, this post has been encrypted with ROT-13, twice.
  2. Seriously, that's the best they could do? by Krishnoid · · Score: 4, Funny
    • Barfin' Bender
    • Chundering Cherry (2000)
    • Emetic Eliza
    • Gagging Gort/GlaDOS
    • Heavin' Hal
    • Puking Pintsize (I had trouble finding one for P)
    • Ralphin' Rachael
    • Tossing Terminator / Twiki
    • Vomiting V.I.N.CENT
  3. Now that's science reporting I can get behind! by tchdab1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    And definitely not in front of.

  4. They should have named it Hurley by toygeek · · Score: 4, Funny

    subject says it.