Telepresence robots are much like “Skype-on-wheels.” They consist of a display that runs a video conferencing system which is attached to a type of robotic body. This body can be driven around remotely from any location, provided there is an Internet connection. A variety of telepresence robots have been created…

At some point, physical distancing measures will begin to lift and people will be more comfortable heading into the outdoors to pursue outdoor activities that they enjoy like hiking, bicycling, jogging, etc. Many people are already doing such activities to stay healthy, while following appropriate physical distancing measures. Yet the…

Many people are now working from home due to social or physical distancing measures. This means that they go about their own work and occasionally (or frequently!) connect with others during meetings over video chat systems like Skype, Zoom, Blue Jeans, etc. …

Grandparents and grandchildren often share a very important emotional bond and both groups can benefit from a strong relationship. When grandparents and grandchildren live far apart, it can be difficult for them to stay connected and technology needs to help fill the gap and bridge the distance divide. …

Many people find themselves in a long distance relationship at some point in their life. They might move away from their partner for school or work, or they may have met when living in different cities. It turns out that long distance couples are often really good at using technology…

Social distancing means that it can be challenging for people to see family and friends. This could be grandparents who live far away, kids and their playmates, adult siblings, cousins, etc. When people are separated by distance, they often turn to video chat technologies like Skype because they like to…

People participate in a lot of really important events in their lifetime. Many stick out for their ‘specialness’ — we call these major life events. They are the birthday celebrations, weddings, graduations, and more that we value and want to be a part of. …

I am a professor at Simon Fraser University in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology. I have studied how people connect with each other, interact, stay aware, and do joint activities over distance for two decades now. …