# Cardboard Telepresence Robots The 'Smartipresence' Robot Has a Low-Cost Design By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-07-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartipresence References: [geeky-gadgets](https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/telepresence-robot-28-07-2020/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+geeky-gadgets+%28Geeky+Gadgets%29) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rossatkin/smartipresence-cardboard-telepresence-robot) The 'Smartipresence' robot is a new take on the [telepresence robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nubo-smart) that will provide users with a low-cost option when looking to stay connected with those who matter most. The robot is crafted with cardboard components and works by having a [smartphone docked](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honor-robot-phone) in the top section in order to keep the user's face visible at all times during a video call. The unit can then be controlled manually to have it [roam around a space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebo-air-2) to follow users and give everyone a stronger sense of connectivity when on calls. The 'Smartipresence' robot can be easily controlled via the Android web app or iOS app and will allow users to manually control the unit for an enhanced sense of playfulness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Low-cost Telepresence Robots:** The 'Smartipresence' robot offers a more affordable option for users looking to stay connected through video calls. - **Cardboard Components in Robotics:** The use of cardboard in the 'Smartipresence' robot demonstrates a trend towards utilizing inexpensive and eco-friendly materials in robotic design. - **Enhanced User Connectivity:** The 'Smartipresence' robot provides a stronger sense of connectivity by allowing users to control and navigate the unit during video calls. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Telecommunications:** The 'Smartipresence' robot disrupts the telecommunication industry by offering a cost-effective solution for remote communication. - **Robotics:** The use of cardboard components in the 'Smartipresence' robot presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the robotics industry to explore new material applications. - **Mobile Apps:** The Android and iOS apps used to control the 'Smartipresence' robot open up opportunities for innovation and development within the mobile app industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Diminutive DIY Desktop Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot.md) - [Rolling Pet Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freshrobot-rollbot.md) - [Remote-Controlled Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mimi-humanoid-robot.md) - [Cardboard-Made Holographic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-holographic-display.md) - [Cartoonish In-Car Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-robot.md) - [Discreet Furniture-Like Home Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-home-robot-concept.md) - [Robotic Companion Smartphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honor-robot-phone.md) - [Foundational Embodied Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tron-2.md) - [Consumer-Targeted Humanoids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noetix-robotics-bumi.md)