Definition

The term telepresence refers to several techniques that allow a person to feel present, to give the impression of being present, i.e to create a virtual framework of realistic exchanges. The aim is therefore to give an impression of very advanced reality, to give the impression that the interlocutors are facing each other by stimulating the senses of the user to change his perception.

 And more concretely?

At a minimum, a telepresence system includes a visual feedback either with a very large screen, or a small display mounted directly in front of the eyes. Generally in the case of the use of a screen or a screen wall, the display is about a scale 1 with high definition. Less used, the small display makes it possible to follow the user’s centre of view thanks to its head movements, unlike cinema, where the user’s center of view is not taken into account.

While the WYSIWIS (What You See Is What I See) is widespread, audio is still essential for telepresence. Most often, the sound is in stereo, although the surround sound is the most suitable for creating a certain realism.

The ability to manipulate an object remotely and interact with the environment is an important aspect of a telepresence system, but is very rarely put in place.

 Telepresence on a daily basis

Numerous techniques can be employed to achieve this result, the best known giving videoconferencing but also focusing more and more on telepresence robots.

 The videoconference

Nowadays, one of the most used tools approaching telepresence is Skype, the application allowing a visual and audio on several people at the same time, but some differences remain notable. Unlike the simpler videoconferencing, telepresence requires a certain realism generally defined by means of large flat-screen high definition screens (scale 1) accompanied by cameras and several speakers, requiring the acquisition of a meeting room in most cases. However, access to online conversation software remains a necessity as well as Internet broadband for the fluidity of exchanges.

The robots of telepresence

Similarly, telepresence robots require some facilities since they are equipped with a screen with high definition cameras and mounted on wheels in order to be able to be directed. They can be connected to a computer or to a smartphone or tablet. To connect, simply download a software, create an account and activate it. The robot will then be controllable through the arrow keys of the computer keyboard, the mouse or a controller. (Giving the possibility to communicate by gestures (via the screen))

A new working tool

Since about 60% of company communication is non-verbal, telepresence compensates for this lack of human contact but also brings many other things. This new technology applies to many fields, distance learnings, events, but especially the most popular ones, telework and telemedicine.