Rehabilitation Institute of Santa Barbara is testing a new healthcare "robot," called the Companion, in collaboration with the developer of the device, InTouch Health, Inc.

The two area organizations issued a joint announcement last week heralding the robotic device, designed to allow a health care provider to assess a patient's condition from a distance using virtual technology. For example, a physician in Santa Barbara could use the device to evaluate the condition of a patient in a distant area such as Lompoc.

"The introduction of the Companion marks a new paradigm for the way healthcare will be delivered in the near future," said Dr. Yulun Wang, chairman and CEO of InTouch Health.

The Rehabilitation Institution's Pat Forgey, vice president of business development, said, "Our Institute's physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists have been conducting tests of the robot's capabilities for more than a month now. . . . (They) have been able to ascertain that it really works and has significant potential in delivering remote rehabilitation therapies."

The device can be used to assist caregivers in helping a patient, coaching and training staff and monitoring existing healthcare services, according to an InTouch® statement.