MIA
Telepresence is an interesting new research area that has the potential
to enhance the quality and overall experience of communication between
distant locations above and beyond what has been possible with phones
and newer videoconferencing abilities. The primary addition to the other
forms of communication is a physical avatar as a representation of a person,
this representation uses live video and audio systems mounted on a robotic
platform. The benefits of using an avatar in a conversation stem from
the physical presence, mobility, and interaction aspects of communication
that are important in human communications.