Border crosser a robot as mediator between the virtual and real world

Abstract

Expositions are offering many information regarding the exhibits. These facts are normally presented in the form of charts and audio guides. For more and supplementary information some museums have robot guides or interactive touch tables. This paper describes a mixed device consisting of a robot guide and a touch table. This mobile robot connects the real exhibition environment and the virtual channel which contains all the interesting information. Therefore the Border Crosser itself is mixed reality device and produces and presents a mixed reality. It combines the advantages of real and virtual world. In this setting the Border Crosser also works as a mediator. A mediator which perceives the people, the environment and the possible interactions with the virtual channel. The robot is a friend, a host and a teacher. In this way the visit of an exhibition becomes to an adventure. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.