Videoconferencing and telepresence systems have found great success as a method of supporting communication, collaboration, and social interaction among physically dispersed individuals. The business value of conferencing and telepresence systems is well documented, as the size of their market attests. A new class of technologies have recently become available that takes a new and radically different approach to videoconferencing and telepresence, addressing many of the shortcomings of the other approaches in the process. Mobile Robotic Telepresence (MRT) systems incorporate advanced video conferencing and telepresence technologies into mobile robotic platforms which can be controlled and driven about from remote locations. Mobile robotic telepresence systems, while a relatively young technology, are becoming increasingly popular within certain vertical markets as a method of facilitating social interaction, delivering expertise, maintaining oversight, and cultivating contacts. This report will address a number of important issues related to mobile robotic telepresence systems. Specifically, it will: Define mobile robotic telepresence systems, and describe the constituents of their operational sphere Highlight the critical components that make up mobile robotic telepresence solutions and which are used as the basis for competitive differentiation Describe the leading commercial mobile robotic telepresence offerings, along with emerging solutions Deliver an overview of common MRT application domains and use cases, along with an evaluation of their suitability for mobile robotic telepresence system solutions Provide recommendations to MRT solution and service providers, as well as end-users of mobile robotic telepresence systems, regarding their development, sales and use
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