One area you may want to consider marketing this to: Funeral homes. A lot of times someone can't make it to a distant funeral either due to financial or health reasons. Imagine if the funeral home could rent access to these, as long as it wouldn't seem undignified. (I'm not too good of a judge of this).
Wedding receptions would be another possible market. Or, in general, see if you can focus on the rental market (i.e., an event thrower could rent a dozen for remote guests).
"Imagine if the funeral home could rent access to these, as long as it wouldn't seem undignified. (I'm not too good of a judge of this)."
No... it'd be fine, just hang a suit on it. If you rotate fast enough you could simulate hugging or patting people's back while they're hysterically crying. They won't even know the difference, and it will look totally normal and dignified...
During my grandfather's funeral, I was literally holding up an iPad (connected to Skype) throughout the proceedings, because some of my cousins couldn't make it to the funeral. It wasn't 'dignified' by a long shot, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Wedding receptions would be another possible market. Or, in general, see if you can focus on the rental market (i.e., an event thrower could rent a dozen for remote guests).