More than just a talking head? Check out Audi’s new telepresence robots

Given the advances made in car tech in recent years, it can be pretty difficult for mechanics to keep up. That’s why Audi’s new idea: installing telematic robots in its garages seems like a pretty neat idea.

The machines, being deployed across the German auto-maker’s US dealerships, allow a remote mechanic to get up close to cars and help with diagnosis and repair. The remote mechanic can also control the view of the telepresence bot, meaning that they can actually get up and close with the car rather than having to rely on the person they’re talking to for the right view.

Given that there are plenty of Audi dealerships across the US, the move makes a lot of sense. Rather than having to send their mechanics to Germany, or bring in an expert mechanic to sort out an issue, the dealerships can bring the expertise to them.

Another pretty cool benefit is that everyone involved gets reminded that they’re part of a much bigger whole.