VIRTUAL CHILD – NOVEMBER 2003
Pebbles is the world’s first fully functional ‘telepresence’ application – a social and technology solution that virtually places a child within the classroom.
Two child-sized robots transmit real time video, audio and documents between classroom and child. The classroom-based robot features a microphone and speakers, a swiveling monitor and camera combination, and a robotic hand. Together, these mimic the movement and interaction of an actual student. All functions are controlled by the remote child, who communicates with the classroom via a game pad-style controller and personal robot complete with microphone; touch screen video monitor, microphone and speakers.
Pebbles creates a presence so strong in fact, that teachers, students and remote children all react as if the remote student is physically present in the regular classroom.
Pebbles is the brainchild of Telbotics, an emerging leader in the field of telepresence. Developed in partnership with University of Toronto’s Adaptive Research Centre and Ryerson University’s Centre for Learning Technologies, Pebbles is a breakthrough solution destined to impact children around the world.
In Amsterdam I met the inventor of Pebbles, Graham Smith. Who together with his fellow Canadian Norman White organized a range of scientific lectures in Amsterdam.
See also:
Global – Services – Broadband Services
Global – Residential – Tele-education
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