Most hospital training labs use basic dummies or simple mannequins to teach medical skills. Students practice procedures, learn techniques and move on to real patients later. But a new childbirth simulator called Mama Anne takes training to a very different level. This lifelike robot blinks, breathes and even talks while helping midwifery students practice delivering babies before they ever step into a real delivery room. And if the idea of a robot going into labor feels a little creepy, you are not alone.

At York St. John University in York, England, educators have introduced the simulator as part of a new approach to hands-on medical training. The technology allows students to experience complex labor scenarios in a safe environment where mistakes become learning moments instead of medical emergencies. And yes, the robot actually gives birth.

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How the robot childbirth simulator trains future midwives

The simulator known as Mama Anne looks and behaves much like a real patient in labor. Developed by Laerdal Medical, the high-fidelity mannequin was designed to recreate real childbirth conditions with startling realism.

Students interact with Mama Anne as if she were an actual patient. Her eyes blink and react to light. Her chest rises and falls as she breathes. She even has pulses that can be felt in multiple places across the body. Most importantly, she can deliver a baby mannequin during a simulated birth.

Unlike older training models that stayed mostly static, this simulator moves and reacts during labor. It can deliver in several positions, including lying back or on all fours. It can also display vital signs that change in response to medical complications. In short, it turns a classroom exercise into something that feels much closer to a real hospital scenario.

Why robot childbirth simulators are becoming essential

For decades, midwifery training relied heavily on textbooks, observation and limited hands-on practice. That approach left a major gap. Many students encountered their first true emergencies only after they began working in clinical settings.

Now technology is filling that gap. Simulation tools like Mama Anne allow students to practice high-risk situations repeatedly before they ever treat a real patient. As a result, students build confidence while instructors guide them through difficult scenarios.

For example, the simulator can recreate several dangerous childbirth complications, including:

• Postpartum hemorrhage with realistic blood loss
• Shoulder dystocia when a baby becomes stuck during delivery
• Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia with changing vital signs
• Sepsis symptoms that require rapid treatment

Students also practice everyday clinical skills such as monitoring fetal heart rate, giving injections and managing labor from start to finish. Because the training environment is controlled, instructors can pause a scenario, explain a mistake and run it again.

The robot even teaches communication skills

Medical training is not only about technical procedures. Communication with patients matters just as much. Mama Anne helps with that, too.

The simulator can speak using recorded responses or real-time dialogue through hidden speakers. Students must explain procedures, ask for consent and reassure their patient just as they would in a real delivery room.

If someone touches the simulator without asking first, it can react and vocalize discomfort. That feature reinforces one of the most important lessons in modern healthcare: patient consent and respectful care always come first.

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Why universities are investing in this technology

Educators believe simulation training dramatically improves how healthcare students prepare for the real world. Rebecca Beggan, midwifery program lead at York St. John University, says hands-on simulation helps students build both competence and confidence before clinical placements.

Students can experience an entire labor scenario from beginning to end. They learn antenatal care, labor management and postnatal care in a single immersive exercise. Instructors also say the technology helps protect students from the emotional shock of encountering their first medical emergency without preparation. Instead of facing those situations cold, students enter clinical placements with real practice under their belt.

The future of childbirth training

The arrival of hyper-realistic simulators like Mama Anne suggests medical education is entering a new era. Instead of learning mostly through observation and experience, future healthcare professionals may train through realistic simulations that mirror real hospital conditions.

That shift could change everything from how nurses train to how surgeons rehearse complex procedures. Technology will never replace human caregivers. However, it can help prepare them better than ever before.

What this means to you

Even if you never step into a medical classroom, this technology could still affect your life. Better training often leads to better patient outcomes. When healthcare providers practice emergency scenarios in advance, they react faster and make fewer mistakes during real emergencies.

For expectant parents, that can mean safer deliveries and more confident medical teams in the room. Simulation training also reflects a broader shift in healthcare education across the United States. Many hospitals and universities are adopting high-fidelity simulators for surgery, emergency care and trauma response. The goal is simple: Let students practice difficult situations before lives are on the line.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

A robot that gives birth may seem a little creepy at first. Still, tools like this could become common in medical training down the road. Students gain hands-on experience. Instructors guide them through emergencies. Patients benefit from better-prepared medical teams. The next generation of midwives may enter the delivery room with far more practice than any class before them. As medical simulators grow more realistic and more widespread, one question naturally follows.

If robots can train doctors to deliver babies today, what other parts of healthcare might soon be practiced first in simulation labs instead of hospitals? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Less than a week ago, Apple announced the forthcoming AirPods Max 2, a pair of over-ear headphones that leverage the company’s H2 chip for AI-powered live translation, conversation awareness, and a host of newer features. However, if you’re okay with a pair of earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3 offer access to all the same features for less — especially given they’re currently on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for $199.99 ($50 off), matching their second-best price to date.

For iPhone owners, nothing else really compares to the AirPods Pro 3. Apple’s latest pair of premium earbuds deliver the best active noise cancellation and richest sound of any AirPods model to date, combined with a more comfortable, angled design that fits securely and naturally in your ear canal. They also feature a new XXS ear tip size and a more robust IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them better suited for long-distance runs and various gym activities.

Speaking of workouts, the Pro 3 can also pull double duty as a fitness tracker, thanks to a built-in heart rate sensor that works with Apple’s Fitness app to track calories burned across more than 50 workout types. It’s a welcome addition if you don’t use an Apple Watch; however, it may not be as useful for those who already own and rely on Apple’s wearable for its health tracking and wellness features.

Lastly, as mentioned up top, the AirPods Pro 3 also boast an H2 chip, allowing for the aforementioned real-time translation features and Apple’s newer Voice Isolation tech, which uses machine learning to isolate and enhance voice quality by removing unwanted background noise. That’s on top of their seamless integration with other Apple devices, mind you, which lets you take advantage of automatic device switching and a Find My-compatible charging case.

A new phishing scam is tricking people into installing malware by pretending to be a Google security check. The page looks convincing and tells you that your Google account needs additional protection. It walks you through a simple setup process that appears to strengthen your security and protect your devices.

If you follow those steps, you may end up installing what looks like a harmless security tool. In reality, security researchers say the page installs a malicious web app that can spy on your device. It can steal login verification codes, watch what you copy and paste, track your location and quietly send internet traffic through your browser. 

The most troubling part is that nothing is technically hacked. Instead of exploiting a software flaw, attackers simply trick you into granting the permissions they need. Once that happens, your own browser can start working for them without you realizing it.

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THE #1 GOOGLE SEARCH SCAM EVERYONE FALLS FOR

All about the fake Google security page

Security researchers at Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity company, recently discovered a phishing website that pretends to be part of Google’s account protection system. The site uses the domain google-prism[.]com and presents what looks like a legitimate security page asking you to complete a short verification process. Visitors are told they should complete a four-step setup to improve their account protection. The page explains that these steps will help secure your Google account and protect your devices from threats. During the process, the site asks you to approve several permissions and install what it claims is a security tool.

The tool it installs is actually a Progressive Web App. This type of application runs through your browser but behaves like a regular app on your computer. It opens in its own window, can send notifications and can run tasks in the background. Once installed, the malicious web app can collect contacts, read information you copy to your clipboard, track GPS location data and attempt to capture one-time login codes sent to your phone. These codes are commonly used when you sign in to accounts that use two-factor authentication.

The fake security page may also offer an Android companion app described as a “critical security update.” Researchers found that this app requests 33 permissions, including access to text messages, call logs, contacts, microphone recordings and accessibility features. Those permissions give attackers the ability to read messages, capture keystrokes, monitor notifications and maintain control over parts of the device. Even if the Android app is never installed, the web app alone can still collect sensitive information and quietly run activity through your browser.

How it works and why it matters to you

The scam works because it looks like something you would normally trust. Many people expect security alerts from the services they use, especially when it comes to protecting email or cloud accounts. Attackers take advantage of that trust by presenting the fake page as a helpful security feature. When you approve the permissions and install the web app, you are essentially giving the attackers access to certain parts of your device. One of the main things they try to capture is one-time passwords. These are the short codes you receive when logging in to accounts that require two-factor authentication.

If attackers manage to capture those codes while also knowing your password, they may be able to break into your accounts. That could include your email, financial services, or cryptocurrency wallets, depending on which accounts you use. The malware also watches what you copy and paste. Many people copy cryptocurrency wallet addresses before sending digital currency, and those addresses can be valuable to criminals. The malicious app can collect that information and send it back to the attackers.

Another feature allows attackers to route internet requests through your browser. This means they can run online activity through your device so it appears to come from your home network. The app can also send notifications that look like security alerts or system warnings. When you click those notifications, the app opens again and gains another opportunity to capture information such as login codes or clipboard data.

Google says built-in protections can block the threat

After learning about the phishing campaign, we asked Google about the malicious site and whether users are protected.

A Google spokesperson told CyberGuy that several built-in security systems are designed to stop threats like this before they cause harm.

“We can confirm that Safe Browsing in Chrome warns any user who tries to visit this site. Chrome also shows a confirmation dialog whenever anyone attempts to download an APK. Android users are automatically protected against known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect, which is on by default on Android devices with Google Play Services.”

Google also said that its current monitoring shows no apps containing this malware are available on the Google Play Store.

ANDROID MALWARE HIDDEN IN FAKE ANTIVIRUS APP

Even if malicious apps are installed from outside official stores, Google says Android devices still have an additional layer of protection. Google Play Protect can warn users or block apps known to exhibit malicious behavior, including apps installed from third-party sources.

However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn’t 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices, which is why we recommend additional strong antivirus software to detect malicious downloads, suspicious browser activity and phishing attempts before they cause serious damage. It acts as an early warning system that helps block dangerous apps and websites before they gain access to your device or your data.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

7 ways to protect yourself from fake security pages

If you ever come across a suspicious “security check” like this, a few simple habits can help you avoid falling into the trap and protect your accounts and devices.

1) Never run security checks from random websites

Google does not ask you to install security tools through pop-ups or unfamiliar websites. If a page claims your account needs a security check, close the tab and go directly to Google’s official account page by typing the address yourself. Visiting the real account settings page prevents attackers from redirecting you to a fake site.

2) Check website addresses carefully before trusting them

Phishing pages often use domains that look similar to real companies. Attackers rely on people clicking quickly without paying attention to the address bar. If the website address is not an official Google domain, do not trust it. Even a small change in the spelling can indicate a fake site designed to steal information.

3) Remove suspicious web apps from your browser

If you installed an app through a website and it opens like a standalone program, check your browser’s installed apps or extensions list. Remove anything you do not recognize or do not remember installing. Uninstalling the app immediately prevents it from collecting more information or running commands through your browser.

4) Check your Android phone for unfamiliar apps

Researchers say the malicious Android app may appear as “Security Check” or “System Service.” If you see unfamiliar apps with these names, review the permissions they request and remove them if they look suspicious. Apps asking for extensive permissions such as SMS access, accessibility features, and microphone control should always be investigated.

5) Use a password manager for your accounts

A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords for every account you use online. If attackers obtain one password, they will not automatically gain access to other accounts. Password managers can also help prevent you from entering credentials on fake sites because they usually refuse to auto-fill on lookalike domains.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com

6) Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password. Even though this attack tries to capture SMS verification codes, many services allow you to use authenticator apps instead. These apps generate login codes on your device and make it much harder for attackers to intercept them.

7) Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

If you think you interacted with a suspicious security page, keep a close eye on your accounts over the following days. Watch for login alerts, password reset emails, or transactions you do not recognize. Acting quickly after suspicious activity can help prevent attackers from gaining full control of your accounts.

Pro tip: Reduce how easily scammers can target you

Scammers often gather personal details from data broker sites to make phishing messages look more convincing. A data removal service can help remove your personal information from many of those databases, reducing the amount of information criminals can use to impersonate companies or craft targeted scams. 

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Attackers are changing tactics. Instead of breaking into systems through technical flaws, they are relying on convincing security messages that persuade people to install tools themselves. All of us rely on familiar brands like Google when making security decisions, and attackers know that. Preventing these scams will likely require faster action against impersonation sites and stronger safeguards around what web apps are allowed to do once installed.

Should companies like Google be required to automatically block lookalike domains that pretend to run official security checks before people fall for them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report. Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.