Telepresent robots are bringing people together
When the earliest efforts at video conferencing first put faces to voices, the idea of telepresence was born. As technology has advanced and video calls have become commonplace, a chance has emerged for people to feel like they're sharing a space while actually being far apart.
Small robots now allow users to combine video calling technology with movement and responsiveness to make people feel like you're really there. While commercial variations, such as the Double from Double Robotics, have offered high-end options with prices to match, the recent arrival of the PadBot has brought a robot to market at a consumer-friendly price point.
These and other examples operate on similar principles. A phone or tablet provides connectivity, with the distant user calling in on another device. In-built cameras let users see what the robot sees while the attached device's screen does the same for those in the room with the robot.
While they may just make video calls more fun, or make it easier for group conversations, increasingly practical applications are emerging, including uses in education where 'telepresent' students can attend real classes remotely on a physical campus.
www.roboticsforgood.ae