Sparky
was first developed in 1996, and has been continuously modified
and upgraded ever since. The early version of the robot used 2
sets of low-powered video transmission (similar to a baby monitor)
and RC toy airplane controls to create a live face-to-face video
interaction on a rolling chassis. The 2.0 version of the robot
takes full advantage of the advances in Internet and wireless
technologies to enable control of the robot from anywhere in the
world, allowing Sparky to fulfill its promise of realtime autonomous
telepresence.
Sparky
was featured on Modern Marvels "Telephone"
episode
The
term “Autonomous Telepresence” was coined to
describe Sparky’s combination of face-to-face video
conferencing and true wireless mobility. It’s the
first device of it’s kind to deliver a realtime, video
chat experience while allowing the robot chassis to be controlled
from a remote location. By making the remote operator’s
face the central focus of the robot, it creates an immediate
and visceral connection between the robot and any people
surrounding it.
Sparky
creates interactivity in two distinct ways. First, the unique
and mysterious nature of the technology serves as an invitation
for all types of people to approach and engage the robot,
so it can function very effectively as an outreach technology
and as a social “ice breaker” in almost any
live situataion. Secondly, remote access and control of
the robot via the Internet allows for a new kind of social
connection and interactivity to be available to those people
who are unable for any reason to be physically present at
a live event – reducing the spacial distances between
people and enabling a new kind of interaction.
Watch
video interviews of the artist describing
his robotic work.