The idea of teleporting has always been planted firmly in the realm of science fiction.
From Doctor Who to Star Trek, we seem to be fascinated with the idea of being transported across space and distance instantly.
But one Aussie scientist has built a robot that is taking teleportation from the realm of science fiction to the real world.
And while it may sound like a novel concept, it has real world implications for people with disabilities.
“This is like magic. This is a dream come true,” says Marita Cheng, 27, the mastermind behind the new tech.
Source: Supplied
“I've always thought of technologies like this for someone with a disability.”
Raised by her single mother in a housing commission in Cairns, Cheng’s story is a powerful one.
She left her hometown to study mechatronics and computer science at the University of Melbourne and since she has kept herself busy by starting an organisation that teaches young girls engineering, won Young Australian of the Year in 2012 and started her own robotics company.
Now she has built a robot that allows people with a disability to “teleport” any where in the world using mind control.
Source: Supplied
“You know people use the term teleporting very frequently,” says Chen.
“In sci-fi I guess you've got Star Trek where people can just beam in somewhere.
“We've decided to call our telepresence robot Teleport because we think that it gives people this immersive experience of being somewhere else.
“You can literally be in two places at one time.”
Her invention allows physically disabled people like Anthony Bartl, 36, who has been a quadriplegic since he was six-years old, to explore places they would not normally be able to see.
Source: Supplied
“Using the teleport felt pretty amazing. I've never controlled anything with my brain before and that allowed me to do that,” he says.
“So that gave me a level of independence by itself … it would open up the world more to me. “
Cheng has managed to make the technology functional through a headset and ultimately all you have to do is concentrate to make the robot function.
“I think the Teleport is ultimately about improving connections between people,” she says.
“We're improving people's wellbeing, quality of life and improving connection all around the world.”
Source: Supplied
