i saw cory kidd’s new version of ‘autom’ the robotic weight loss coach at the AARP conference in Boston last week. he is starting the first sociable robot company, intuitiveautomata based on this (his PhD project). from the website:
The future is here! Intuitive Automata Inc. is bringing about the robot revolution by creating robots that will help you in your everyday life. By applying new research in sociable robotics, we are developing robots that can talk, see you, and help you in many ways.
Our first product is Automâ„¢, a robotic weight loss coach, designed to help people who are trying to lose or keep off weight. Autom helps by encouraging a person to stick with a diet for long enough to create long-term change and keep extra pounds off.
Several robots are currently being used in the Boston area in a controlled clinical trial. Results of the study will be analyzed and published in October.