For Halloween, a duo of friendly robots are putting a sweet spin on trick-or-treating in the halls of one Pittsburgh hospital.
At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, TUG robots, which provide medications, linens and meals to patients and pharmacists throughout the hospital, got a spooky makeover.
(MORE: Go all out with these real-life 'girl-power' Halloween costumes)"The robots were programmed to say 'Trick or treat!' or 'Happy Halloween!' when a child approaches," UPMC Presbyterian's Administrative Director of Pharmacy, Alfred L'Altrelli, told "GMA." "One of the robots cackled like a witch for the patients. The robots even had a drawer full of candy that opens up for children visitors and guests."
(MORE: Boy battling cancer receives 300 Halloween cards, mom's 'faith in humanity' restored)One robot was dressed up as a witch and another was decked out as a pumpkin and roamed the halls, greeting children with candy.
"It was really cool, because I usually don't get to see robots dressed up," L'Altrelli's 8-year-old daughter Addison told "GMA" about seeing the robots dressed up for Halloween. "When the robots came down the halls, people jumped up and down because they were so excited!"
"It's an escape for that moment to smile or be distracted for a bit"
"I liked them because they passed out candy," said Pierce Purcell Schantz, 4.
(MORE: Real-life sisters channel Sanderson sisters from 'Hocus Pocus' for Halloween)This is not the first time UPMC Presbyterian has programmed its robots to be more interactive. They dressed them up for fun educational events at the hospital.
"In the past, we have even dressed one TUG up as a pirate and the other as a pirate ship," L'Altrelli said. "The pirate would make 'Arrr' sounds and other pirate remarks, and the pirate ship was filled with gold coins, beads, and other candy."
(MORE: Toddler with spina bifida will trick-or-treat without crutches this Halloween)
L'Altrelli explained that these Halloween robots were not just designed to bring joy to the patients, but to their families, as well.
"When you come into a hospital, for some people it can be the worst day of their life," he said. "It's an escape for that moment to smile or be distracted for a bit."
Visit Good Morning America's Halloween page for tons of last-minute Halloween hacks from DIY glitter and unicorn pumpkins to makeup tutorials, trendy last-minute costume ideas, recipes and more!