Talking robot helps patients shed weight

28 Jul 2010

A Hong Kong-based firm has developed a robot designed to help individuals combat obesity, by holding conversations with them about their weight.

The robot, called Autom, sits on the countertop and holds daily "talks" with users. The conversations are tailored to the individual after they have first entered information about their diet and exercise regimen.

Autom also uses social cues – such as blinking its eyes and turning its head -- to seem more lifelike. The company claims that their research shows users adhere to their diets longer when using Autom.

iHealthBeat reports that the firm behind the robot, Intuitive Automata, hopes to launch the product in the US next year after completing a pilot program with an undisclosed insurance company.

The report adds that work is now underway to enhance Autom's speech and facial-recognition software and to expand its conversation range to include chronic diseases like Type II diabetes

Jon Hoeksma