(1) The dream of being instantly transported from one point on the globe to another has thus far been confined to the realm of science fiction. (2) However, thanks to technological advances, researchers are now closer than ever to making that dream- or at least a version of it- a reality. (3) High-tech teams around the world are working on projects designed to enhance people's "telepresence"- their sense of physically being in a location even when they are actually thousands of miles away. (4) Users of this developing technology can "visit" faraway destinations embodied in sophisticated robots. (5) The visitors wear goggles and suits with sensors that allow them to see and feel in real time what their robot avatars are experiencing. (6) Microphones, speakers, and headphones allow two-way communication with the people at the other end, providing the visitors with a true sense of physically being there. (7) Cruder forms of telepresence robots are already being used in some American offices. (8) Rather than commuting long distances, they can use their home computers to maneuver simple wheeled robots around the head office. (9) These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. (10) The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers. (11) A host of ethical issues must still be overcome before the use of these technologies becomes widespread. (12) But the day when we can physically experience a place on the other side of the world without actually leaving home may not be that far off.