Presence in Multi-Presence: Analysis of multitasking ability according to high or low presence based on working memory

Abstract

We propose multi-presence system for simulating multiple locations using multiple extended bodies. Generally, in the single presence, single-task state in which single extended body is operated, the higher the presence, the higher the performance. However, it has not been clarified if presence is effective for multitasking in multi-presence system. Thus, we examined the effect of presence from the perspective of working memory, which is cognitive characteristic required during multitasking. Specifically, we developed multi-presence system with four robots in virtual space under high- and low-presence conditions and performed multitasking tasks according to the working memory. The results showed that the multitasking performance was higher when sense of presence was high. Thus, we propose that an increase in sense of presence when designing multi-presence system can improve the efficiency of multitasking.