[tentblogger-youtube z23UeJi_uJ4]
Now doesn’t that take telecommuting to a whole new level?
The video above highlights Beam, a technology excursion by Suitable Technologies that allows companies to leverage input from people that are not physically present; and it’s a little bit more than just video-conferencing. The robot receiver is on site, and allows the person piping in to interact in limited manners, like movement and such.
These remote-controlled whiz-bangs–called telepresence-robots–are supposed to humanize remote work a bit, and,according to this AP article, it is already being deployed by companies. While this type of technology is far from mainstream, the article references doctors using similar pieces of technology to see patients.
Woah.
With pricing in the thousand-dollar range, the ROI would have to be on point for most corporations to invest in them. Nonetheless, I admit to finding them fascinating.
What do you think?
jeremy says
I dont know.. maybe this is just me, but I cannot find a good use for this, it is absolutely insane to think this would be a good idea over the current Audio Visual equipment we have right now.
ThatGuyKC says
These are fascinating. I don’t know how practical they are though. I wrote a thesis on telepresence as part of my MBA program and it’s really interesting technology to explore. Sort of like Skype or FaceTime in HD on steroids.
jeremy says
dont get me wrong, If they were giving these away, or I had them to use, I would be all over it! I think its great, more especially in a physician’s realm.. but nothing more than a moving laptop.. lol
Eric Dye says
“Yeah … about those TPS reports …”
Tre Lawrence says
Horribly impractical as-is right now for most corporations LOL. At the very least, the cost is a bit prohibitive, I think