Visit by Telerobot

Anywhere in the world – if there is reliable and strong access to the internet – someone can follow a weblink to a platform for the robot. Once there, the visitor can control the robot and drive it around the Museum, viewing displays and interacting with other people inside the Museum.

Remote visitors can decide what they want to see in the Museum. The goal is to allow their visit to be as similar as possible to any other in-person visitor’s experience. There are also safety features in place that prevent the robot from running into anything or from falling over when the robot rolls over bumpy railroad tracks inside the Museum.

This program first developed out of a desire to allow pediatric populations who are medically restricted to hospital or home to visit the Museum via robot.

Over time, it was clear that there was an interest in and need for remote visits for many different people. Now, as the pilot program launches, members of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation will gain access to remote robot visits.

All you need is:

• A CSRM membership
• A device with a webcam, microphone, and speakers (computer preferred, but also smartphone or tablet)
• A strong connection to the internet
• An appointment with us

If you have a CSRM membership, the link to book an appointment will be emailed out soon. Stay tuned!

UC Davis Health’s Technology and Social Connectedness (TASC) Lab believes that technology can fill an important gap by allowing people to create meaningful experiences and connections through technology.

In keeping with this philosophy, the Museum and the Lab are working together to create a telerobot program.

As this pilot program progresses, UC Davis Health will continue to study the effectiveness of the use of a telerobot in a cultural site such as the Museum. Not only is this a unique opportunity for CSRM members, but the Museum and Foundation are also honored to be a part of something that can help improve the quality of people’s lives.