[dpark]

The value of the robot is that everyone else doesn't need to be set up for video calls. We have a remote worker who uses one in my office periodically (actually two remote workers share it, but I rarely see the other person use it). He can roll into anyone's office and chat with them. I have a camera set up in my office specifically for video conferences, but most people do not. He can still conference with then in an ad hoc manner.

[pavel_lishin]

> I have a camera set up in my office specifically for video conferences, but most people do not.

Don't most laptops these days have an integrated camera?

[ricardobeat]

And how do the other people in the room see the remote person? How easy it is to do that while making sure the camera catches everyone? How do you start the call, what software do you use? The robot sidesteps all of these.

[webjprgm]

My work laptop has one, yes, but it is closed and docked so I can use the two larger monitors on the desk. Ergo it is equivalent to not having a camera at all.