Gadget Lets Boss Spy on You From Afar

Posted on April 8, 2007

A company named HeadThere Inc. has announced a new communication tool called the Giraffe Video Conferencing Robot. The Giraffe is a mobile robot that can be moved by remote control over the Internet. HeadThere says the Giraffe enables a distant team member to interact with coworkers at the company's headquarters. The remote employee can also see and hear what is going on and talk to coworkers. HeadThere calls it a "fusion of robotics and video conferencing."

It sounds like an interesting device until you read this post from CNET's Crave about how it could be used by a suspicious boss to spy on you at your cubicle or in the break room.

HeadThere also says managers can "inspect progress from afar without relying on periodic status meetings." See how it says bosses can "inspect progress from afar." How long until a gadget like the Giraffe Video Conferencing Robot is required for telecommuting workers? Hopefully never. Telecommuting would not be much fun if you boss was at home with you. The good news is that if your manager or boss practices what HeadThere calls "Giraffequette" then none of this should be a problem.