This month, Gaumard began shipping to customers around the world Pediatric HAL. He is considered the most advanced pediatric patient simulator ever.

Wired magazine took notice and wrote an article discussing the cutting-edge technology that brings HAL to life. From the mechanical-pneumatic system that allows HAL to breathe to the servo motors that allow him to produce a wide range of emotions, the article lays out why HAL can be so emotionally affecting to participants, as it was for a team at Stanford earlier this month.

But, why design and create a patient simulator with the ability to show emotions and facial expressions?

Pediatric patients present unique challenges to health care students and professionals. Children are not miniature adults—the way they process information, how their bodies function, how they respond to medication, and their communication skills are very different.

Facial expressions, emotions, and moods are especially important to the provider because they offer vital diagnostic clues and help develop feelings of empathy which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

Pediatric HAL’s new facial robotics aims to offer deeper immersion and emotional engagement for the providers and a new way of developing patient-provider communication skills and empathy, without the limitations associated with standardized patients. The goal is to help educators develop well-rounded providers ready to provide the best care for young patients in every clinical scenario.

CLICK HERE to read the full story on Wired.