These are InflatableBots: a set of mobile robots with inflatable structures that allow haptic interaction in VR. Each of these robots has an omni-directional mobile base and a reel-based inflatable structure. The robot can change its height and position to simulate objects in VR. As this video shows, these robots can be used to make your virtual reality experience more realistic.
As the researchers explain, the inflatable structure relies on a portable fan. These robots transition from 40 to 200cm at a rate of 10.4cm per second.