Robot‐Mediated Communication

Abstract

Abstract Since telepresence robots began entering the US commercial market over a decade ago, telepresence robot‐mediated communication (RMC) has become increasingly prevalent and relevant. In this essay, I describe key technological properties of telepresence robots, summarize findings regarding communication and social interaction through such robots, and propose a framework to guide future study of telepresence robot‐mediated discourse and language use. In concluding, I reimagine how telepresence robots could be reconceptualized and redesigned, for example, by moving beyond human metaphors to incorporate “superhuman” attributes, and raise questions about the intended and unintended consequences of RMC.