A Canadian-made robot is helping doctors treat Parkinson's patients and others with neurological disorders who benefit from being able to stay close to home.

The robot, named I See U, allows for real-time communication between doctor and patient, as the doctor can appear on a video screen via an Internet connection.

The robot and its two "cousins" fan out over Nova Scotia to reach patients. One is stationed at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital emergency department, which does not have a neurosurgeon on staff.

Therefore, patients in Cape Breton can have examinations and follow-up appointments at the local hospital rather than having to travel the five hours to Halifax.

"It allows the expert and expertise to be transported electronically to a remote location in real time," Dr. Ivar Mendez, a Halifax neurologist who developed the technology, told CTV News.

Mendez can not only examine his patients, such as observing them while they perform mobility tests. He can also view his patients' test results and X-rays.

Parkinson's patient John Johnston used to drive the five hours to Halifax to see Mendez.

But now he sits in the hospital in Cape Breton and discusses with Mendez his upcoming procedure to have a pacemaker put in to calm his tremors.

"It was like Dr. Mendez was sitting on the edge of my bed talking to me," the 62-year-old told CTV News of his conversation via robot with Mendez.

Two more robots are expected to be in operation within the next few months, with the hope of expanding the service throughout the Maritimes.

The technology started with a robotic arm that allowed neurosurgeons in Halifax to assist their colleagues in rural locations.

It was developed by Mendez in conjunction with In Touch Health, a California company.

The robot is no bigger than a small vacuum cleaner and training a doctor to use it only takes about half an hour.

Doctors say that robotic doctors' assistants will play a significant role in the future of health care. They will allow doctors to reach patients in remote areas. As well, they will be able to perform a variety of services themselves, from applying pressure to stop bleeding to assisting in surgery.

With a report from medical specialist Avis Favaro and senior producer Elizabeth St. Philip