Meet "Sheldon" - Our Hybrid Participation Robot

One of the most exciting projects I've led recently was the implementation of "Sheldon", a Double Robotics telepresence robot that enables students, faculty, and guests to participate in events and meetings in a truly hybrid and interactive way.

With Sheldon, a remote participant can move around the premises, join discussions, attend workshops, or even greet visitors - all from anywhere in the world. It's an innovative way to bridge physical and digital spaces.

My Role as Project Lead

I was responsible for the entire implementation process, including:

• Project Planning & Integration: ensuring Sheldon works seamlessly with our existing hybrid conferencing and learning setups.

• Process Development: designing workflows for scheduling, usage, and support.

• User Training: delivering workshops and one-to-one sessions for students, faculty, and staff.

• User Documentation: creating clear manuals and quick guides for smooth adoption.

• Testing & Evaluation: piloting Sheldon in different scenarios and gathering feedback to optimize the experience.

• Technology Promotion: introducing Sheldon at events, using it in marketing activities, and engaging visitors to showcase the potential of telepresence robotics.

Real-World Applications

• Hybrid Learning: students can "walk" into classrooms, interact with peers, and participate in group work.

• Remote Teaching & Meetings: educators and speakers can be present and mobile without traveling.

• Events & Tours: visitors can explore spaces and network, even from a different country.

Why This Matters

For me, this project was about more than just adopting a new gadget. It was about making participation more human, more accessible, and more engaging for people who can't be there in person. It also demonstrated how technology, when well-integrated into processes, can transform the way we connect, whether in education, business, or public engagement.

With Sheldon now fully operational and well-received, I'm already working on plans to extend its use to cross-institutional events, guest lectures, and partner showcases, making hybrid interaction an everyday reality.