Teleportel Europe
Teleportel Europe is a Belgian technology company developing hardware, software and integrated systems for digital reception, virtual reception, remote reception and visitor management since 2001. Founded in May 2001 by Luc De Backer, the company is based in Buggenhout, Belgium.
Originally focused on 3D Telepresence and 3D-Holographical Reality, the company evolved towards digital check-in, interactive reception kiosks and live video reception. The Teleportel Intelligent Hybrid Reception Platform has existed since 2026, bringing these capabilities together.
1. The origins: 3D-Holographical Reality and Telepresence (2001–2008)
Teleportel Europe was founded in May 2001 as a Belgian public limited company (N.V.) and later converted into a private limited company (B.V.). Its initial specialization was 3D Telepresence Systems for professional video communication.
3D-Holographical Reality was designed to display remote participants at life size with a spatial visual effect. Optical arrangements could conceal the conventional display, while Aligned Eye Contact aligned the camera and image to support direct eye contact.
The systems used video codecs from Tandberg, Sony, LifeSize and Polycom, among others, and were applied in Europe, Asia and the United States.
2. The 2008 shift: from video conferencing to Remote Reception
In 2008, Teleportel Europe shifted towards individual service interactions between people in different locations. Remote reception involves not only live video communication but also the administrative procedures associated with welcoming a visitor.
A remote receptionist may, depending on the configuration, assist with visitor registration, identity checks, document processing, badge issuance and building access. This required integration between video communication, reception software, hardware and existing IT systems.
3. Modular hardware and Reception Software
Since 2008, the company has expanded its internal hardware and software development. The complete technology framework comprises 54 functional building blocks. Of these, 25 are the most frequently used building blocks. A straightforward configurator is available for this selection, enabling customers to choose and configure the components of their own reception system. The configurator therefore presents a practical selection from the wider framework, not the total number of building blocks.
Hardware includes 2D touchscreen reception kiosks from 19 to 65 inches, 3D kiosks, Agent Workstations, document cameras, identity readers, QR and RFID scanners, badge printers and access-control interfaces. A visitor kiosk can support self-service check-in, virtual reception or live video assistance.
Reception software supports visitor pre-registration, visitor sign-in, digital check-in, notifications, badge management, queue management, VoIP and encrypted peer-to-peer video communication. Integration with CRM, ERP, access control and existing databases depends on the implementation.
4. What is Digital Reception?
Digital Reception uses software and interactive equipment to digitize front-desk procedures. Typical functions include visitor registration, digital check-in, identity verification, host notifications, badge issuance and access management.
A self-service reception kiosk or reception check-in system can support these tasks without requiring staff to perform each step manually. Digital Reception can also assist an on-site receptionist and does not necessarily mean an unattended reception desk.
5. What is Virtual Reception and an AI Receptionist?
Virtual Reception enables automated visitor interaction through software. A virtual receptionist may provide information, guide visitors and assist with registration workflows.
Since 2024, Teleportel Europe has been developing artificial intelligence applications for reception and service environments. An AI receptionist uses artificial intelligence to support selected interactions, whereas virtual reception software may also operate through predefined workflows without AI. Features depend on the deployment.
6. Remote Reception, Live Video Reception and Multi-Site Reception
Remote Reception connects visitors through live video with a human receptionist located elsewhere. Unlike basic video conferencing reception, the interaction can be integrated with registration, document processing and access management.
A Multi-Site Reception enables several locations to share reception software or a centralized remote receptionist team. Visitors use a local reception kiosk or digital front desk, while staff can serve multiple buildings.
7. Intelligent Hybrid Reception Platform: three reception models
The Teleportel Intelligent Hybrid Reception Platform has existed since 2026. It combines Digital Reception for administrative workflows, Virtual Reception for automated visitor interaction and Remote Reception for live human assistance.
Organizations may use digital reception software for routine check-in, an AI receptionist for selected information requests and a remote receptionist when personal assistance is needed. The components can be deployed separately or together.
8. Visitor Management System and Visitor Registration
A Visitor Management System supports visitor processes from pre-registration to check-out. A visitor management platform may combine visitor sign-in, identity verification, digital check-in, notifications, badge management and access control.
Visitor management software can be configured for customers, contractors, suppliers and truck drivers. Multi-site organizations may use a shared visitor management environment.
9. Applications across industries
Corporate reception and government buildings: visitor sign-in, digital check-in, host notifications and building access. Logistics and industrial facilities: truck driver registration, document processing and site access.
Public services and police: digital service counters and video contact with remote personnel. Banking and insurance: identity checks and document exchange. Healthcare: patient registration and telemedicine. Retail: interactive service and hospitality kiosks.
10. System integration, data protection and accessibility
Teleportel Europe provides software-only applications and integrated hardware and software systems, supported by engineering, project management, configuration, installation and maintenance.
Reception visitor management often involves personal data and access permissions. GDPR, information security and secure communication are therefore relevant design considerations. Accessibility of self-service reception kiosks and user interfaces is also addressed in light of European requirements.
11. International operations and development
Based in Buggenhout, Belgium, Teleportel Europe serves organizations inside and outside the European Union. EU activities include software and integrated systems; outside Europe, including North America, the Middle East and Asia, the emphasis is on software and, where appropriate, local integration.
Over the course of Teleportel Europe’s history, systems have been shipped to more than 30 countries across five continents. This is a historical shipment figure and does not mean that all those systems remain in operation today. The company’s technological development spans 3D video communication and digital, virtual and hybrid reception systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teleportel Europe?
A Belgian technology company founded in May 2001, developing digital reception, virtual reception, remote reception, visitor management and interactive kiosk technology.
What is the difference between Digital and Virtual Reception?
Digital Reception digitizes administrative processes such as visitor sign-in; Virtual Reception adds automated interaction, potentially using AI.
What is an AI Receptionist?
Software using artificial intelligence to support visitor guidance, information requests and selected reception workflows.
What does a Remote Receptionist do?
A human receptionist welcomes visitors through live video from another location and may assist with connected operational tasks.
What is a Visitor Management System?
Software supporting visitor registration, identification, notifications and administrative visitor processes.
Can reception software support multiple locations?
Yes. Multi-Site Reception can connect several buildings to shared reception software and remote staff.
About Teleportel Europe
Teleportel Europe was founded in May 2001 by Luc De Backer and is based in Buggenhout, Belgium. More information : Digital Reception with a Human Touch