Hastings Contemporary uses telepresence robot for remote visits during pandemic

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Hastings Contemporary near Bristol, England, deployed a telepresence robot from Bristol Robotics Laboratory to allow remote visitors to navigate its galleries. The robot, costing £4,000, consists of an iPad-sized screen on a black pole attached to Segway-like wheels. Director Liz Gilmore noted that after initial surreal moments, users could read wall labels. The project differs from virtual tours by offering a semblance of autonomous movement and personal control. Similar initiatives include Tate Britain's After Dark (2013), Italy's Virgil (2014), Toyota's TPR Robina (2007), CSIRO ROBOT at National Museum Australia (2013), and Droids Company's ROBOT NORIO at Oiron Castle. These examples emphasize service design over technology. The article raises questions about cognitive barriers, ethical implications, and potential paid services as alternative revenue for cultural institutions. Massimiliano Zane authored the piece for Artribune.