This telepresence robot made by VGo Communications of Nashua, New Hampshire, escaped its booth and roamed the floor, chatting with CES attendees. The robot is controlled using a program for the PC that lets its operator see and interact with people more naturally than with conventional videoconferencing, which is tied to a specific location.

Boston Children's Hospital is testing VGos as a way to stay in touch with patients after they go home. A VGo robot costs $5,995, plus a $1,195 annual service contract. Read our review of what it’s like to work remotely using a telepresence robot.

Credit: Technology Review