MIT builds robotic weight loss coach

In an attempt to understand how humans react to having a robotic weight loss coach in their home versus simply using the software that the machine is loaded with, the imaginative folks at MIT have constructed a sociable robot that wants to see you reach your ideal weight. The robot uses internal cameras and face-tracking software to maintain eye contact with you while you attempt to fib about exactly how much exercise you've had, and the external touchscreen allows you to input data such as food / calorie consumption and duration of exercise. The creature is slated to hit the homes of select Bostonians as the designers begin to test its long-term effectiveness, but those looking for a glimpse of it in action should check out the video provided in the read link.

[Via TechDigest]

[Bumpman @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:27PM]

Aha! Buying this robot it bound to solve my personal problems. Hot-pants here I come!

[robofatty @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:28PM]

I'd take this over Richard Simmons

[roc ingersol @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:32PM]

right... cuz what I really need is another pair of eyes to stare at me with disappointment and concern.

[Revels @ Aug 22nd 2007 12:33PM]

It's eyes remind me of Mason Verger's from Hannibal.

[moneill @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:19PM]

Smithers, it's out of control!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_pqeluhznM

[EBone @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:24PM]

"You. Are. Too. Fat. Get. Some. Exercise. Tubby."

[Andir3.0 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:46PM]

What I really need is a robot to make the meals I should be making for myself. (I hate cooking!) If this robot could also go to the store and get the food (or auto-order it), I'd be set. I could come home to a nice well balanced hot meal every night and not have to stop at a fast food place on the way home or live on one of those controlled-portion salt-laden food programs.

[Alex @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:21PM]

What ever happened to relying on other humans?
Regardless, I'd rather have a robot that could actually train me, as in going on a run with me. That would be cool.

[Andir3.0 @ Aug 22nd 2007 7:08PM]

That would be fine if humans were reliable.

[DickHardknocks @ Aug 22nd 2007 4:23PM]

Does the robot do LEE ERMY's voice?


...YOU're NOT EVEN A HUMAN F*cking being...you're nothing but gribastic pieces of amphibian sh!t...you're the lowest form of life on earth... now close that refridgerator before I rip out your eyes and skullf*ck you...


...watching you try and lose weight is like watching old people f*ck...

[James Barry @ Aug 23rd 2007 4:14PM]

What's next, a robot that does the exercise for you. Get real weight loss advice here. http://www.boxingfitnessvideos.com

[weight loss @ Sep 21st 2007 1:50AM]

This is very cool! I did also read somewhere that a company is working on a wireless blue tooth headset that would talk to you throughout the day guiding you on what and what not to eat? hmmm.

mike
http://www.artofweightloss.com
http://www.coloncleanse-blog.com