How Robotics Can Support Remote Workers: Double Robotics Interview, Part 2

The idea of using a robot to connect remote workers seems like, well, a futuristic pipe dream. But the staff at Double Robotics can confirm that it’s not a distant, sci-fi idea–it’s a real-life technological innovation that’s available now, fun to use, and offers a great way to give home-based workers an office presence.

We’ve written about how Double Robotics uses its technological creation, a telepresence robot called the Double to connect remote workers with their in-office colleagues. Now we’re taking a closer look at the Double “in action”–more specifically, how the Double (a mounted robot that can roam around on wheels) has presented both challenges and rewards, and supported remote work options at Double Robotics.

Using Robotic Technology to Support Remote Workers

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Double Robotics uses its signature Double robot to help both local and distributed team members work more efficiently together. There are four remote workers on the Double Robotics staff of 25 who “log in each day via Double, so they have their own physical presence in the office,” according to RJ Wafer, head of business development at Double Robotics.

Remote workers “have the freedom [to] move or roll around on their own, and pop in and out of different offices or meetings. Using Double truly enhances the connection between remote and local employees.” Using the Double works for both home-based workers and their office-based counterparts. “We always encourage both sides of the workforce, remote and local, to converse with each other throughout the day via Double,” Wafer said. “It’s important to maintain relationships with colleagues even when they’re across the country.”

Beyond day-to-day interactions, Double technology also comes in handy for “off-campus” communications to connect remote workers. “Since we attend several events and conferences throughout the year, we encourage the folks attending to travel together,” Wafer said. “Oftentimes, this includes one remote worker and one local worker. Doing so helps to keep up company culture even amongst a distributed workforce.”

Robotics technology also helps boost worker productivity, a benchmark that Double Robotics can track. “It is pretty easy for us [to monitor], since we are [business development], sales, and events,” Wafer said. “It is pretty easy to quantify.”

Meeting the Challenges of a Distributed Workforce

For home-based workers and employees working from the road, the Double is a great asset. “This is just a great way to be connected, [that] helps to maintain the culture in a really significant way,” Wafer noted.

“One of our remote workers recently visited [headquarters] for the first time after six months as a remote employee, on the Double every day. It was funny to walk in and not have to give him a tour–though he had no idea where the restrooms were.”

A Broad Technology-Based Approach

To connect remote workers, Double Robotics provides each employee with a MacBook, and workers may also receive an iPad and company phone, depending on their job requirements. During working hours, employees are asked to “be logged in to their Double, if possible,” Wafer said. “Other than that, we don’t have any specific communication norms.”

Prospective employees are often interviewed via Double with one of Double Robotics co-founders, David Cann or Marc DeVidts. “This gives the potential employee the opportunity to learn about the product by playing with it firsthand,” according to Wafer. “The next step is an in-person meeting (if they’re nearby Sunnyvale) to have them meet a few members of the team.”

Hiring for Remote vs. Traditional Workers

Wafer said the hiring criteria at Double Robotics are pretty much the same for job candidates looking to work remotely and those interested in more traditional jobs.

“The most important traits that we look for in candidates across the board are passion and excitement, willingness to learn, positive attitude, and of course a solid culture fit,” Wafer said. “Our remote workers aren’t any different than workers in our headquarters. We still see them and chat with them every day.”

Tips for Work-Life Integration

Wafer, who works from his home in New York, suggests taking customized steps to establish healthy work-life integration. “I am an ‘always on’ kinda guy, and so I try to create little boundaries between my home office and the rest of my living space,” Wafer said. “Basically, I make time to do things like go running and leave the apartment regularly. Little steps go a long way towards increased happiness.”

Compared to past jobs he’s held, Wafer said the Double technology beats laptop-based conference calls by a long shot. Working at Double Robotics, Wafer added, “is exciting, challenging, and we are able to help change people’s lives every day. It means a lot to me, and I am grateful to be a part of something so meaningful.”