Work-from-home boss keeps staff on their toes with robot version of himself
It is sure to keep the staff on their toes.
A video game developer has discovered a way to work from home while keeping a close eye on his employees- a robot version of himself.
Successful entrepeneur Richard Garriott has run his Austin, Texas office and team of 25 game developers though his robot alter-ego since July.
Eye on the prize: Video game developer Richard Garriott has discovered a way to work from home while keeping a close eye on his employees- a robot version of himself.
The R2D2-like miniature rolls around the office of his video game development company, Portalarium, on two wheels, KXAN reported.
Garriott can join in meetings and even roll up to staff member's desks to have a conversations with them, while all the while working from his New York home.
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'When I'm up north, I log in in the morning and can meander over to anyone's desk and really be a part of the casual conversations that are so essential to our work,' he told The Huffington Post. 'Sometimes I feel like a spy, but fundamentally it feels like I am really there.'
Office animal: The R2D2-like miniature rolls around the office of his video game development company, Portalarium, on two wheels
Guru: Garriott can direct the Segway-style movements of the robot from anywhere he has internet access.
The gaming guru can direct the Segway-style movements of the robot from anywhere he has internet access.
Leader: Garriott splashed out on the $15,000 robot, created by California-based Anybots Inc
Garriottclaims his staff are comfortable having the robot in the office- although his personal avatar struggles to strike the right balance with personal space.
The electronics pioneer first bought the robot because his elderly mother, who lives in Las Vegas, didn't feel able to travel to go to his wedding in Paris, France.
Desperately wanting her to have a role in the occasion he splashed out on the $15,000 robot, created by California-based Anybots Inc.
The ingenious creature allowed the fond mother to watch the ceremony, talk to people and even make decisions on the day.
Butwhen he got home from France, Garriott realised that the robot could be put to even betteruse.
It now allows him to spend his time in New York where his wife's home and work are, without missing anything at the office.
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