Mechanical assistant just what the doctor ordered

China's first "robot doctor" was put into use in a hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, recently.

The robot, named Li Xiaogang, weights 4.3 kilograms and is 58 centimeters tall. It assists the medical workers and patients in the breast care department of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital.

"Hello, Doctor Li Jian," the robot said. "A busy day has begun. Today you will deal with three main issues. The first is that three patients will be discharged."