Not too long ago, employees from various companies and institutions were able to perform their jobs from the comfort of their own homes. Typically this was accomplished with a combination of devices such as a PC, webcam, and phone to complete their tasks. However, it was a rare few who experienced that world.
Things have changed since then. With advances in mobile communications and robotics, employees (and even students) can now use a unique form of telepresence that lets them work from home while maintaining a physical presence in the workplace. Wireless and robotic tech combined, not only give both employers and employees the ability to perform tasks, but also give co-workers the feeling that they’re actually at work with one another. The last five years have truly brought the perspective of using robots in both the workplace and learning institutions.
This trend looks to gain even more momentum. Although there are about a dozen or so telepresence robotic manufacturers at this time, the actual number of businesses or institutions that employ them is sparse (as most are unsure of the payoffs associated with using the robots, and they can be costly). But there have been a few notable instances where the bots have been used.
Click the image below to see them.
Suitable Technologies' Beam RPD sells for $16,000. (Source: Beam)
The most recent instance that made headlines was the development and use of the Beam RPD by engineer Dallas Goecker, who uses the telepresence robot made by Willow Garage offshoot Suitable Technologies to attend work and meetings from his home more than 2,300 miles away from the office. The Beam RPD (Remote Presence Device) stands at 5-feet 2-inches tall and is equipped with a 17-inch screen that projects the user's face to help facilitate interaction with others.
The RPD uses two wide-angle HD cameras that allow for full situational awareness (including navigation) and feeds the video/images back to whoever is in control of the unit (Beam can have multiple users take advantage of the system). Six microphones, with noise and echo cancellation, allow every sound or voice to be heard from multiple locations, which helps provide an atmosphere of actually being in that particular area interacting with others. The bot also comes equipped with a speaker and two dual-band WiFi radios that help prevent signal loss while roaming. It has a top speed of 3mph and recharges in a floor-positioned dock without the need to plug the RPD into a physical socket.
The Beam RPD uses the Beam Pilot Software Client, which allows users to control the bot using a mouse and keyboard and works with both the latest Windows and Mac OSs. The only downside to using the Beam is the cost: $16,000 for the base platform. But, considering the cost of Goecker’s daily commute, the price may be a bargain.
I agree with Chuck. But the so-called explosion in telecommuting that was supposed to happen in the 90s, and then the 00s, didn't. The problem isn't presence or absence of telepresence robots, or even the communication issues. I think much of it is managers not feeling in control over their employees.
I agree, Cabe. Sometimes I think we need to stop and ask ourselves what our goals are. Is the ultimate goal of technology to improve life - or to make money? We need to find a balance because obviously R&D requires cash flow and hard work and risk deserves to reap the benefits, but if we lose sight of our humanity in the process, than we haven't gained anything.
I don't think enough money is being spent in the area of technology for the disabled. When companies like Apple have $100 billion in surplus cash and spend zero in this area, I am disappointed even further.
I just don't see them as being cost-effective. Working from home with teleconferencing capabilities is so much cheaper and I don't see what you gain from a robotic presence that you wouldn't have with a multimedia one. BUT I LOVED the application for Devon - the boy who couldn't attend school because of his allergies that would cause his personal attendance to be life-threatening. Now THAT is a worthwhile application!
Another relevant issue is the effect on urban expressways. Traffic on big city expressways is growing fast. Telepresence could also have an effect there. At some point in the next 20 years, I think it's going to be a necessity in some quarters.
Charles, I agree. I like the concept of using this technology for the benefit of reducing corporate overhead and personally saving money on commuting. Good way to add dollars back to the paycheck. If telepresence can be used in Distance Education, seems like a win for Work at Home Employees. Nice article Cabe!
If we as a society are really concerned about oil consumption, your idea seems very logical, Ken E. Imagine how much fuel would be saved by keeping half the work force at home and imagine how emissions would be reduced.
If you divide $16,000 by 52 (weeks per year) then 40 (hours per week) you get a number superisingly close to the current minimum wage rate. I actually like this idea. We can replace all the middle managers who really don't know much with minimum wage robots that probably have about the same knowledge. On the other hand why not just replace them (the middle managers) with ex fast food french friers.
You can still be in your pajamas, you just need to dress from the shoulders up! Remember to blank the screen when you walk away for a cup of coffee.
I have a distant commute, but as a plant engineer often have to 'run down to the shop' to see what's what, or measure things. Someday they'll be able to not only picture, but create 3D models depending on what they see. Although I'll always have to be there some, I could see this reducing my need to be there in person in the future.
Was interesting to see the 'bot in a school setting. I wonder, was that the teacher, or a student? The end of classrooms is already on it's way, especially at high level institutions, no mobility required.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
3 
