The journey to losing weight is one fraught with peril. I’ve tried many times in the past to start exercising to better myself, but it’s too easy to lose motivation and just give up. Some would suggest hiring a personal trainer. I say you should buy a robot.

Intuitive Automata has created a robot that makes sure you stick to your exercise routine. It’s name is Autom, and it’s always with a smile and a wink. It’s the ultra supportive friend that you never had. With Autom, the company hopes to create an emotional bond between the robot and user so they will keep exercising.

Introducing Autom™ from Intuitive Automata on Vimeo.

Like all robots, Autom is a little unsettling. The lifeless robotic voice betrays the calming and supportive face of the robot. It may be supportive, but robots always have an ulterior motive of wanting to bring down humanity. What if Autom betrays its creators and works us to death with demanding exercises? Its smile would be forever lodged in our collective nightmares.

Putting talk of robotic overlords aside, Autom is an excellent idea. People are more motivated to complete their workout goals when they have someone to talk to. I’m not sure if everybody could stay motivated by talking to a robot, but it could very well work for some people. Just don’t expect it to get up and run with you. For that, you can always just get one of these.

Autom will go on sale in early 2013 with a suggested price tag of $199.99. After that, dieters will have to spend $19.99 to receive updates on food and calorie counts. You could also just run for a few minutes everyday. It’s free, and it prevents depression.

[h/t: Mashable]