  With the increasing ubiquity of technology in our daily lives, the complexity
of our environment and the mechanisms required to function have also increased
exponentially. Failure of any of the mechanical and digital devices that we
rely on can be extremely disruptive. At times, the presence of an expert is
needed to analyze, troubleshoot, and fix the problem. The increased demand and
rapidly evolving mechanisms have led to an insufficient amount of skilled
workers, thus resulting in long waiting times for consumers, and
correspondingly high prices for expert services. We assert that performing a
repair task with the guidance of experts from any geographical location
provides an appropriate solution to the growing demand for handyman skills.
This paper proposes an innovative mechanism for two geographically separated
people to collaborate on a physical task. It also offers novel methods to
analyze the efficiency of a collaboration system and a collaboration protocol
through complexity indices. Using the innovative Collaborative Appliance for
Remote-help (CARE) and with the support of a remote expert, fifty-nine subjects
with minimal or no prior mechanical knowledge were able to elevate a car for
replacing a tire; in a second experiment, thirty subjects with minimal or no
prior plumbing knowledge were able to change the cartridge of a faucet. In both
cases, average times were close to standard average repair times, and more
importantly, both tasks were completed with total accuracy. Our experiments and
results show that one can use the developed mechanism and methods for expanding
the protocols for a variety of home, vehicle, and appliance repairs and
installations.
