Robot Command

Description

Using video and physical movement, teams direct their robot (another participant) to perform a series of actions.

Why we like it

Brings the physical environment into virtual setting. Can be used for art and competitions. Offers real-world communication challenges and lessons.

Process

1. Determine the physical activity you want participants to perform in advance and arrange the necessary objects. (See below for example activities)
2. Give participants everything they’ll need to prepare (and enough time to prepare them). This includes physical objects and the necessary tech (webcam, movable webcam, secondary camera or device, etc.).
3. Run the activity in the main room or in breakout rooms.
4. Debrief as usual. Saving photos or videos of the activity makes great keepsakes and content reminders.

Example robot activities

a) Robot task: Participant A (The Speaker) instructs Participant B (The Robot) to perform a task using common or prearranged household items. Tasks might be simple (making a sandwich) to complex (constructing a chair from IKEA). The challenge for Participant B is to follow the exact commands given or try to perform the task in an unusual way. For example, “put cheese on the bread” might result in unwrapped cheese slices on the bread (since there was no instruction to unwrap cheese).

b) Artwork. Participant A (The Speaker) has an image or photo and attempts to have Participant B (The Robot) draw the image using only spoken commands. Participant B never sees the original image until the end of the activity. Other rules might include Participant B cannot speak, or Participant A cannot see Participant B’s drawing during the process.

c) Empathy toys. You may purchase empathy toy kits here or simply use common building blocks like Legos accessible to all participants in different locations. This activity involves Participant A (The Speaker) and Participant B (The Robot) having identical building blocks or pieces. The difference: Participant A’s blocks are constructed in a specific way (Participant A has the final form). Participant B’s blocks are separated and Participant B has not seen the final form. Participant A gives instructions to Participant B in order to create the exact form. A common challenge is neither participant can see the other’s pieces. The in-person version usually involves them blindfolded.

Daisy chain options

a) Participants able to join in mobile locations such as parks or shopping malls expand on the possibilities. Keep in mind mobile data needed for live streaming.
b) Many activities involve thorough debriefs about human communication and team leadership. One 30-minute activity might produce another hour of discussion and analysis.

Alternatives

If sourcing physical supplies is too time consuming or costly, prepare supplies for one or two participants and allow the main room to watch the progress or take turns giving instructions to the Robot. Use a digital whiteboard like Miro for artistic activities without physical supplies.

Tech tips

Zoom allows a second camera for screen sharing. This is often used in business for viewing a physical document. To enable, attach a 2nd camera to your computer and point it at the desired area. Next, go to “Share Screen” and “Advanced” options. Finally, choose to share from the 2nd camera.

Another alternative would be a 2nd Zoom connection through a participant’s mobile device. It would appear as an additional participant and could be used for video or other functions.

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