We saw it in the Star Wars installments and it seemed crazy to us to think that this could be transferred to our daily lives in a matter of decades. Back then, telepresence took over the big screen in hologram format presenting Supreme Leader Snoke while he spoke with Kylo Ren or General Armitage Hux. As a visual projection, the first roles of telepresence began to become familiar to the general public through these tapes, and later became the most common format of our days: robots.

It was obvious to everyone that in recent years there had been an enormous leap in innovation and even more so when remaining in isolation was an emergency request and not a choice. In this, both science, education and organizations in general were the first areas of impact regarding this great technological injection. A moment in history where the act of working was only possible from home, the sighting of a new way of bringing people together was no longer a mere frame from Star Wars. Telepresence was opening its star path.

Telepresence…what is it about? How does it work?

As we say, telepresence is a technology that allows remote interaction between people who are located in different geographical locations. Through it, the interrelation between people becomes much more natural and realistic - as if they were in the same room. This is achieved through high-quality video conferencing devices and motion sensors that allow users to control a robot or avatar from different locations.

To make effective use of telepresence, a person sits in front of a screen and uses a controller to move across the room. The robot or avatar in the other place moves in the same way, allowing the person to see and hear their co-workers or interlocutors immediately. Additionally, most telepresence systems also include high-quality microphones and speakers to enable two-way communication. Telepresence is especially useful in situations where it is difficult or impossible to be physically present, such as during work meetings, travel, or visits to remote workplaces.

Well, we fall short with the reasons for using telepresence, since its scope is inexhaustible. From surgeons who conduct an operation remotely, people with reduced abilities who want to see a tourist place and cannot do so in person, to the simple plan of attending a meeting of friends but without being there body and soul.

In fact, in the collaborative workspace Hacker Dojo several of these friendly telepresence robots were available for members who need to access a remote work meeting. With this we affirm that it is a technology that passes through us and is part of our world without much effort, since the devices are within reach of our hands. What was previously unthinkable is now a reality that facilitates incongruous times and commitments to those who need it.

What elements does a telepresence robot contain?

• A movable platform, usually has wheels at its lower end

• They are usually equipped with a camera, a monitor or screen, speakers and microphones. Depending on the situation, they can be customized with additional actuators and sensors to give it the ability to open doors or climb stairs, for example.

• A means of communication with the outside world - Internet - from which people can connect with their interlocutors from distant points. Thanks to the network connection, real-time audio and video transmissions are successfully received by the other party. Likewise, the person who wants to connect to the robot must have a computer, tablet or cell phone

• A computer incorporated into the robot to send, receive and control the information that is captured by the attached sensors

• Batteries to give movement autonomy to the device

The pros and cons of telepresence robots

One of the main strengths is that they allow people to interact and communicate realistically from a distance. This can be especially useful in situations where it is difficult to be physically present - such as in work meetings or visits to remote workplaces. They can also be a valuable tool for those who have some decrease in their motor skills or for those who live in very remote geographical areas, why not. What was once out of reach is no longer an excuse.

As we always seek to analyze the other side of the coin, despite ourselves we must recognize that there are certain weak aspects that we cannot omit. One of them is that these devices can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. 

In addition, depending on the level of complexity of the technology, they can be difficult to use and require some prior training to master their functionalities. Another issue that often arises when a camera is involved has to do with privacy and security concerns when using these telepresence robots, since the information and images transmitted through them can be intercepted or used inappropriately. The risk exists. Finally, while telepresence robots can improve remote communication and interaction, they can also contribute to feelings of isolation if used excessively or inappropriately.