MiniMates: Miniature Avatars for AR Remote Meetings

MiniMates aims to reimagine how users interact with each other during conference calls. David Lindlbauer, an assistant professor in Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, worked with his team to develop an augmented reality (AR) experience that enhances communication by incorporating hand gestures, eye contact, and body language—elements often lost in traditional video calls. Such remote meetings using 3D avatars in AR allow effective communication and enable users to retain awareness of their surroundings. However, positioning 3D avatars effectively and consistently for all users in AR is challenging since most spaces, such as offices or living rooms, are not large enough to accommodate multiple life-sized avatars without interference. To address this issue, Lindlbauer’s team contributed this novel approach to telepresence that leverages miniature avatars, which make it possible to place multiple remote users in a limited physical space. Their system automatically adjusts avatar positioning and redirects users’ head and body orientation to support more natural interactions. Unlike standard 2D video calls, Mini Mates is designed to reflect the dynamics of real-world conversations.

One of the major limitations of traditional video calls is a single stream of audio. With MiniMates, the team set out to replicate the natural flow of in-person conversations—where multiple discussions can happen at once. The conversations would be supported by features like mutual gaze awareness and the ability to have side conversations using spatial audio. While this remains a technical challenge, progress has been made through synthetic representations of users. However, fully immersive communication comes with trade-offs. It can isolate users from the real world and reduce situational awareness—especially in semi-public environments like offices, where staying connected to your surroundings is essential.

In redefining how we connect, MiniMates bridges the gap between digital and physical presence—bringing the nuance of real-world interaction into remote communication. By capturing the subtle cues that make conversations feel human and dynamic, it opens the door to more natural, expressive, and engaging virtual experiences. As the boundaries between virtual and real continue to blur, MiniMates offers a glimpse into a future where presence isn’t defined by proximity, but by the quality of connection.

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