Preview: Telepresence Tech

Often technology such as smartphones and computers is a force that connects us to others via social media, but isolates us from our immediate surroundings and often affects our family life.

At the same time, people increasingly see themselves as global citizens and rely on the same technology to keep in touch with loved ones across time zones. As more families live apart, digital communication is being adapted to enable the very young and very old to connect with distant relatives and friends.

One example is ElliQ by Intuition Robotics, a robotic companion for the elderly that consists of a plinth with a robotic head and a removable tablet. ‘ElliQ is a utopian example of artificial intelligence for the near future, developing a relationship in which we can learn, grow and thrive as an ageing population,’ says designer Yves Béhar.