# Robotic Video Chat Avatars The 'PadBot T1' Can Carry Around Phones and Tablets During Video Chats By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/padbot-t1 References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/215335484/padbot-t1-a-micro-virtual-independent-telepresence?ref=project_link) & [padbot](http://www.padbot.com/) The PadBot T1 lets consumers fulfill the dream of being in two places at once. While video chat is a great way for consumers to connect and be present with people across large distances, video chatters are constrained to where the person on the other end of the stream takes them. The PadBot T1 is a small, [crawling robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/w1) that allows its user to control it remotely, letting video chatters roam wherever they wish. The small and portable robot could be used in all sorts of scenarios. For instance, it would be valuable for use in a [conference call](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-2) between a large group, allowing the remote person to interact with different people in the distant conference room more directly. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Remote Control Robots:** Developing and marketing more advanced and versatile robots designed to do tasks remotely. - **Augmented Video Conferencing:** Integrating AI and AR technology to create an immersive experience with video conferencing. - **Robotic Telepresence:** Creating more advanced and affordable robots to be used as proxies for remote operation in different locations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Robotics Industry:** Developing robots for remote operation that are smarter and more versatile in their capabilities. - **Teleconferencing Industry:** Integrating AI and AR technology into video conferencing to mimic in-person interactions. - **Remote Operation Industry:** Building affordable robots capable of performing tasks remotely, from a distance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Video Communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonari-portals.md) - [Rolling Pet Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freshrobot-rollbot.md) - [Spatial Video Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wehead.md) - [Roving Livestream-Supporting Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-only-i.md) - [Full-Body Hologram Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portl-epic.md) - [Robotic Desktop Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-concept.md) - [Advanced Video Call Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-4.md) - [Robotic Companion Smartphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honor-robot-phone.md) - [Physical Video Call Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-meeting-controller.md)