A necessary byproduct of living in the future — as we do — appears to be the occasional bit of tech that is simultaneously very cool and remarkably impractical. Normally retailing for $2,500, and requiring the investment of at least another $500 to function, Double Robotics' Double telepresence robot fits squarely into that category. It is pretty fun to watch, though.
Researchers are working on robotic members of the police force. The Discovery Lab of Florida International University is working with the US Navy Reserves on building telepresence robots, controlled by disabled police officers and members of the armed forces, that could be used to police the streets, according to CNET.
Double Robotics has shown off a telepresence robot using a Segway-style method to move around and stay upright. Dubbed the Double, the self-balancing slate stand uses one iPad in the robot's holster, serving as the "face" and camera, while another is used as a remote control from another location, connecting over the Internet.
Researchers from Osaka University are currently showing off their robotic hand designed specifically for telepresence systems. The hand enables users to remotely shake hands with other individuals, adding physical interaction to the existing visual and audio elements.
