Will Your Robot Doppelganger Substitute Teach for You?
Remote telepresence robots have been around for a handful of years, with mostly clunky interfaces and questionable utility. The concept is sound however, as a remote self can be handy for meetings, consultations, and even medical diagnoses. The user moves around a robot from anywhere in the world, seeing through the robot’s cameras, hearing through its microphone, and speaking through robot speakers. A noteworthy example of a teleconferencing robot has just emerged from a company called Doublerobotics, that positions its product as a $2000 ipad platform that just happens to be able to move remotely in 3 dimensions. The product is shown attending a product meeting, moving to a machine shop to consult about a prototype part (note the Tormach PCNC Mill in the background), and attending an art gallery in the evening to enjoy a new exhibit. Imagine the kinds of facilities that would have a small fleet of these robots available for anyone who wishes to log in and have a virtual presence. So this begs the initial question: Could you remotely teach at least some of your courses using such a device? It seems the answer is getting closer to yes, at least under certain circumstances.





