The Telebuddy (R): collective tele-presence and tele-conversation through physical avatars

In this article, we will give an overview of a concept and project focusing on the establishment of collective telepresence and tele-conversation thro ugh physical avatars. A major goal of this concept is to enable new ways of communication between internet users and people in different roles at remo te locations. Particularly the development and use of a physical avatar as a means for communication between internet chatters and real people in the outside world were essential to this project and demonstrate a new form of physical appliance. To support this development, a main research topic was the inclusion of wireless networks for the connection to the physical avata r and the transmission of audio, video and auxiliary data, as well as locat ion information and a control for gestures and mimics. Use scenarios will p rovide an overview of the different roles people can assume While using the system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.