A key problem currently faced in the health care sector is the inability to collect data for people living in private homes. Such data include statistics on medication, daily living activities, and factors related to specific medical risks. In the US, home visits by health-care professionals are extremely rare, due to the high costs involved. The idea of robotic tele-presence is to use Internet technology to relay live video and audio from the doctor's office to the patient's living room. Finally, the vast majority of independently living elderly people is forced to live alone, and is deprived of social interaction.
Social engagement can significantly delay the deterioration and health-related problems.
Flo is built on top of a Nomad Scout differential drive mobile base, equipped with a SICK PLS laser range finder. A touch-sensitive color display is mounted at approximate eye height for sitting people, and Flo possesses an actuated face that can show different facial expressions. The eyes are color cameras and are motorized, which enables them to saccade when tracking a person's face. The robot is also equipped with a speaker system and a microphone. In addition to the communication modes, the tele-presence offers control of the robot to the remote user.