{"id":56439,"date":"2025-05-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expo21xx.com\/news\/?p=56439"},"modified":"2025-05-26T05:47:52","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T03:47:52","slug":"hybrid-collaboration-at-eye-level-confair-buddy-makes-it-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expo21xx.com\/news\/hybrid-collaboration-at-eye-level-confair-buddy-makes-it-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Hybrid Collaboration at Eye Level \u2013 Confair Buddy Makes It Possible"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by Wilkening+Hahne GmbH+Co.KG<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

At last year\u2019s Orgatec, Wilkhahn presented a prototype of its latest innovation: the\u00a0Confair Buddy<\/strong>. This mobile, wireless avatar is designed to integrate remote participants into face-to-face meetings almost as seamlessly as if they were physically present. It takes hybrid collaboration to an entirely new level\u2014offering an experience that closely resembles in-person interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Solution to the Hybrid Participation Gap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Conventional video conferences often leave remote participants feeling isolated and disengaged. Spontaneous exchanges, creative momentum, and the social nuances of in-person meetings are frequently lost. The Confair Buddy<\/strong> addresses this issue by placing remote participants at eye, ear, and voice level with those on site, fostering genuine interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced Features for Real Interaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The high-quality, battery-powered stele includes an integrated tablet, a powerful audio system, and an AI-controlled camera. It is freely movable within the room and can be aligned as needed. Remote participants can actively control the camera to look around and focus on different speakers. On-site users can also activate the AI camera\u2019s auto-tracking function via gestures, ensuring everyone remains engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In dynamic, creative settings, the Confair Buddy<\/strong> shines. When on-site participants move around or work at whiteboards, the unit can be repositioned using integrated handles, maintaining the connection. Magnetic markers allow specific areas of analog whiteboards to be prioritized, ensuring the digital viewpoint remains present and aligned with the workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Meets Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drawing on 25 years of research and innovation\u2014originating with Wilkhahn\u2019s “Roomware” concept from EXPO 2000\u2014the Confair Buddy<\/strong> is both practical and elegantly designed. It integrates seamlessly with Confair Next<\/strong> room modules and fits well into modern work environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n