Accessible control of telepresence robots based on eye tracking

Abstract

Gaze may be a good alternative input modality for people with limited hand mobility. This accessible control based on eye tracking can be implemented into telepresence robots, which are widely used to promote remote social interaction and providing the feeling of presence. This extended abstract introduces a Ph.D. research project, which takes a two-phase approach towards investigating gaze-controlled telepresence robots. A system supporting gaze-controlled telepresence has been implemented. However, our current findings indicate that there were still serious challenges with regard to gaze-based driving. Potential improvements are discussed, and plans for future study are also presented.