It often works, a common method is called “UDP hole punching”.

We actually have these: http://www.geekdesk.com/

They are pretty awesome, but the full size ones are pretty huge.

How is the quality on the motors that adjust these? I've heard about those Geekdesks, that was a good business idea IMO. I think I still like Steelcase better just because it adjusts by hand and there aren't as many moving parts or a motor to potentially burn out and replace.