DOT-S Robotic Companion
Group Entry: Aidan Mathieson, Atilla Yusuf, Robin Healy.
Loughborough University, School of Design and Creative Arts.
Design description
This product is a robotic fitness companion design to make exercising more engaging, motivating, and accessible. The robot moves with the user at a safe distance during workouts, offering real time advice and coaching, exercise demonstrations displayed on screen, countdowns, repetition tracking and personalised encouragement depending on what the user is doing. It combines its physical presence with ai powered guidance to deliver a more immersive experience than standard fitness apps and equipment alone.
The companion mobile app supports the product. Users can customize their workout plan, monitor progress, review performance data and set goals. The app links people into a broader fitness community where they can share their achievements, join in on challenges, and stay accountable through social interaction.
Beyond physical health, the product addresses common barriers such as low motivation, lack of confidence and loneliness. It functions as both a personal trainer and a companion, encouraging consistent activity, particularly for those who find they prefer companionship when exercising such as users with neurodivergent disabilities. By bringing people together with a robotic companion, it supports users to be more independent while also supporting the development of lasting healthy habits, building confidence and creating a stronger sense of community.