An autonomous articulating desktop robot for proctoring remote online examinations

In this paper we describe a new low-cost, autonomous desktop robot for proctoring examinations in online/distance learning courses. The robot is attached to the student's computer via a USB port and monitors the examination environment using a webcam that articulates in both altitude and azimuth together with an array of acoustic sensors that provides audio directionality. The examination may be monitored in real time by a live proctor via the Internet or the data may be recorded for future review. Authentication of the identity of the test taker is accomplished using the webcam and simple, reliable ear recognition techniques. This eliminates the need for expensive digital fingerprint hardware.