How Telepresence Robots Are Revolutionising Museum Accessibility

Hastings Contemporary’s robot in front of Edward Burra’s “War in the Sun”. Estate of Edward Burra / Lefevre Fine Art Ltd / Hastings Contemporary

Museums have always strived to be spaces for everyone, but physical, geographical, and social barriers can prevent many people from accessing them. Innovative solutions are now emerging to bridge this gap, and one technology leading the way is telepresence robots.

These robots are providing remote visitors—particularly those with disabilities, health concerns, or travel restrictions—a new way to engage with exhibitions, interact with guides, and experience cultural spaces from afar.

This article explores how telepresence robots are transforming accessibility in museums, highlighting the successes, challenges, and future possibilities demonstrated by the pioneering ‘Being Here’ project at Hastings Contemporary, as discussed in a recent presentation at the Digital Exhibitions Summit.

Breaking Down Barriers with Telepresence Technology

Led by Esther Fox, Head of the Accentuate Programme, the ‘Being Here’ project has harnessed telepresence robots to offer remote access to gallery spaces, addressing both physical and attitudinal barriers often faced by disabled visitors. Esther highlighted the significant challenges disabled individuals encounter, from inaccessible physical spaces to anxieties about navigating unfamiliar environments. Through telepresence technology, participants can virtually visit exhibitions, interact with guides, and engage in meaningful discussions about the artwork from the comfort of their homes.

Telepresence robots offer a solution to problems that go beyond physical barriers. For many people with disabilities, simply leaving home can be a challenge. Unreliable transportation, fluctuating health, or anxiety about visiting an unfamiliar space can make trips to museums feel overwhelming. Esther explained that the robots help remove these concerns, creating a bridge between visitors and cultural spaces. The robots also challenge assumptions about who museums are for, breaking down social and cultural barriers that might make some people feel like they don’t belong.

The Role of Early Adopters in Innovation

Professor Praminda Caleb-Solly, Co-Director of Robotics for Good, emphasised the importance of early adopters in the cultural sector. Institutions willing to experiment with emerging technologies pave the way for identifying both the practical limitations and the immense potential of such tools. The collaboration with Hastings Contemporary revealed valuable insights, including the importance of robust Wi-Fi infrastructure, staff training, and overcoming technical knowledge gaps.

Hastings Contemporary’s robot in front of Graham Sutherland’s “Thorn Head”. Estate of Graham Sutherland / Hastings Contemporary

Early adopters play a key role in helping cultural spaces move forward with confidence. They identify technical problems, like weak Wi-Fi signals or poorly placed network equipment, and they help design creative solutions. More importantly, early adopters learn how visitors respond to these technologies. As Caleb-Solly pointed out, it’s not just about setting up the technology—it’s about understanding how people will actually use it.

Deeper Engagement Through Virtual Tours

Beatrice Tailby Hardstaff from Hastings Contemporary reflected on the project’s success in fostering deeper audience engagement. The robot tours went beyond passive observation, creating spaces for interactive dialogue between participants and tour guides. Tailby Hardstaff noted that visitors were not only exploring artworks but also enjoying the building’s unique architecture and surrounding coastal views, thanks to the robot’s mobility.

“One of the most surprising aspects of the project was just how ambitious we could afford to be. Initially, we thought robot tours should only happen outside public opening hours, but we discovered they worked brilliantly during regular hours, with visitors on-site showing genuine interest in the technology,” said Tailby Hardstaff.

During the tours, participants didn’t just observe—they asked questions, shared their thoughts, and reflected on their experiences. Tailby Hardstaff described how conversations between participants and guides often became personal, with visitors sharing their emotional reactions to the artwork. The robots allowed these connections to happen naturally, even though the participants weren’t physically present.

Opportunities for Cross-Cultural Connections

The project also demonstrated how telepresence can connect diverse groups. Caleb-Solly envisioned future opportunities for cross-cultural interactions, such as schoolchildren from different countries joining shared virtual tours and exchanging perspectives on art.

Imagine a classroom in Nairobi virtually exploring an exhibition at Hastings Contemporary alongside students from the UK. They could discuss their thoughts on a painting, ask questions, and share cultural insights—all facilitated by telepresence robots. These technologies create opportunities for cultural exchange and learning that go far beyond traditional museum visits.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Despite technical and logistical challenges, including connectivity issues in eco-friendly buildings and knowledge gaps among staff, the team overcame these barriers through persistence and adaptability. Tailby Hardstaff emphasised the importance of keeping these initiatives flexible and responsive to visitor needs.

One key challenge was the building itself. Hastings Contemporary is an eco-friendly structure with thick walls that can weaken Wi-Fi signals. This issue required careful planning to ensure that the robot could move freely through the space without losing its connection. Staff training was another important factor. Not every museum team member is naturally comfortable with technology, so training sessions were essential to ensure the robots could be used confidently.

A Call for Long-Term Commitment to Inclusivity

The presentation concluded with a call to action: museums must continue to protect and prioritise remote access initiatives, even as in-person visits return to pre-pandemic levels. Esther Fox stressed the importance of inclusivity, reminding cultural professionals that there will always be individuals who cannot visit physical spaces. Telepresence technology isn’t just a temporary solution—it’s a vital tool for creating long-term, equitable access to culture.

Esther explained that museums have a responsibility to ensure that remote visitors are not forgotten as physical visits become more common again. The value of telepresence robots goes beyond temporary solutions—they represent a fundamental change in how museums can offer access to art and culture.

Looking Ahead

As the museum sector navigates the future of digital engagement, projects like ‘Being Here’ serve as powerful examples of how technology can create richer, more inclusive visitor experiences. For museums willing to embrace these tools, the possibilities are limitless.

The success of telepresence robots at Hastings Contemporary is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a story about connection, inclusion, and reimagining what a museum visit can look like. By continuing to invest in these technologies, museums can ensure they remain spaces for everyone, no matter where they are or what challenges they face.