Accessible Parallel Embodiment of Multiple Robotic Avatars in a Cafe

Abstract

Novel technological systems enabling people to control multiple robotic avatars simultaneously could support more accessible ways to multitask. An implementation of a parallel avatar system in a cafe shows that, leveraging their existing skills, remote workers with disabilities were able to utilize the system to control up to four robots, each with a different function, to assist customers in a cafe. The parallel avatar systems expand the agency and the capabilities of disabled workers, while also delivering better experiences to customers.

The experience of a tele-operated avatar being touched increases operator’s sense of discomfort

“…People are experiencing increased opportunities to interact remotely by tele-operated on-screen computer graphics (CG) characters and robots, which we label tele-operated avatars. These systems are dissolving spatial and physical constraints, enabling such interactions and assistance as guided tours in museums ( Roussou et al, 2001 ) and customer service in stores ( Takeuchi, Yamazaki & Yoshifuji, 2020 ; Song et al, 2022 ; Barbareschi et al, 2023b ).…”

“…From the former perspective, a variety of methods and systems have been proposed to enhance the control of the system and accurately convey the events occurring in remote locations. For instance, Barbareschi et al (2023b) developed systems that enable people to simultaneously control multiple robotic avatars to support more accessible multitasking styles. Tanaka, Takahashi & Morita (2013) proposed a tricycle-style operation interface that enables children to control a telepresence robot.…”