When the pandemic made long-distance business travel difficult or impossible in 2020, many turned to the remote collaboration tools that were available. Video conferencing replaced business meetings. But what about the missed connection of being around others, and not just in a corner of a laptop screen? That’s where the OhmniLabs telepresence robot comes in. The tablet computer mounted on a mobile tripod is operated entirely by a remote user logging in over the internet. Able to communicate through the tablet microphone and speakers while independently navigating the space, it offers the user free reign to explore.
With a charging station a user can steer the machine into before they log out, the robot is mostly self-sufficient. The initial model—designed for offices, hospitals and factories—was reviewed by ENR at our New York City office earlier this year. ENR editors were able to log in and roam the office, chatting with coworkers despite being scattered across the U.S.