The Robot Weight Loss Coach :

Researchers at MIT have created a robot who acts as a weight loss coach. The robot (called "Autom") was demonstrated at a recent expo.

The coach offers feedback on recent behavior and makes recommendations for near-term behavior. The feedback is based on comparing recent diet-related behavior, such as calories consumed and exercise performed, with goals set by the user.

"When the user is meeting his goals that have been set, staying within the calorie limit and getting the prescribed amount of exercise, the robot will interact with him in a lively and energetic fashion and will make noises that sound happy. If, however, he has not achieved the daily exercise goal or exceeded the self-imposed calorie limit, the robot will then perform this interaction in a more lethargic fashion, moving slowly and emitting sounds that are more sad." ( via )

One of the motivations behind the project is the belief that a robot "can be more engaging than a character on the screen" or mobile phone or PDA.

You can see a fascinating video of the robot in action here .

TrendHunter is also reporting on a "diet dog" who may provide similar interactions.

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