Spatial configurations matters for mobile robotic telepresence

What is it about?

A well known theory describing how humans position themselves with respect to others is Kendon's F-formation theory. In this study, a pilot user of a mobile robotic telepresence system gave older local users a guided tour while operating the system. The guided tour was provided either according to the F-formations or by intentional deviations from the commonly accepted spatial formations. Using a retrospective technique, the older people confirmed the importance of adhering to acceptable spatial configurations also during interaction via mobile robotic telepresence systems.

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Why is it important?

Typically, pilot users of mobile robotic telepresence systems perceive the enviroment in which the local user is located via a webcam that provides a wide view of the environment. In our previous studies, we have seen that the access to this wide-angle view may disrupt the pilot users understanding on whether they are orienting the robot towards the local user or not. The knowledge gained from this study shows that it is important to consider how to support the pilot users in orienting the robotic unit correctly during development.