Story Published:
Jul 27, 2008 at 6:05 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 28, 2008 at 9:50 AM EST
It's one of Doctors Hospital newest robots, and it's designed to help people heal faster. Doctors Hospital turned to dozens of children to get the perfect name for the robot.
The winner was named Sunday at Fort Discovery in Augusta.
"He would be my friend," said Sam Hopkins, contest winner.
Bud-E, the surgical robot is not just 6-year-old Sam Hopkins' friend, but it will be friends with every patient it helps operate on. Sam's the winner in Doctors Hospital's Name the Robot contest. More than 40 children entered the contest to name the robot and got some hands on experience.
"I thought it was pretty nifty," said Hopkins.
"If you asked me when I was in medical school if I was going to do an operation with a robot, I would say no way," said Dr. Sharad Ghamande, Doctors Hospital.
Bud-E is one of the first of its kind here in Augusta.
When it is used, there's minimal scaring.
"Instead of having a big incision, we can get away with having a small incision and use the robot in any type of operation," said Dr. Ghamande.
While there is less scaring and a faster recover for patients, it also makes surgery easier for doctors.
"It's almost like you are sticking your hand in someone's belly and you can move it in all directions and it has really good depth perception," said Dr. Ghamande.
Perception and ability that doctors say will only get better in years to come.
The winner in Sunday’s competition earned a savings bond, a one year membership to Fort Discovery, tickets to Adventure Crossing, and a GreenJackets game.
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