Telerobotics and Telepresence

Telerobotics and Telepresence are related fields that involve remote control and operation of robots or systems, allowing humans to interact with and manipulate objects and environments from a distance. Although these two ideas are similar, there are differences between them as well:

Telerobotics:

• Definition: Telerobotics is the field of robotics that focuses on controlling robots remotely, often in environments that are unavailable, dangerous, or faraway from the operator.
• Control: Human operators in telerobotics use a control interface to give the robot commands and get feedback from its sensors. The operator controls the robot's movements and actions in real time, usually in a more direct manner.
• Applications: Telerobotics is frequently used in situations where it is necessary to carry out tasks in physically demanding environments.
• Latency: Minimizing communication latency is critical in telerobotics, especially in applications where close supervision is required. Task performance may be hampered by high-latency communication.

Examples of telerobotic systems include surgical robots operated by surgeons during minimally invasive procedures, remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) used for deep-sea exploration, and drones piloted from a distance.

Telepresence:

• Definition: Telepresence refers to the use of technology to create a sense of presence or immersion for a human operator in a remote environment. It aims to give the operator the impression that they are actually there.
• Immersion: Telepresence systems frequently give users a more immersive experience that includes visual, aural, and occasionally haptic feedback. The idea is to strongly evoke a sense of "being there."
• Control: While telepresence may involve remote control of robots or devices, the focus is on providing the operator with a sense of presence instead of direct control. Technology for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) is frequently used in telepresence systems.
• Applications: Telepresence has applications in fields like telemedicine, where doctors can virtually examine patients from a distance, and remote communication, where workers can participate in meetings or perform tasks as if they were on-site.
• Latency: However low latency is important in telepresence systems, it may be less critical compared to telerobotics because the main focus is on the operator's sense of presence rather than direct manipulation.

Examples: Telepresence robots, like teleconferencing robots used in business settings, have cameras and screens that enable remote participants to "attend" meetings or communicate with people in another location as if they were physically present.

In conclusion, telerobotics is primarily concerned with real-time control of remote robots performing tasks, frequently in demanding or hazardous environments. However, telepresence, which frequently uses virtual reality or augmented reality technologies, aims to give the operator a sense of presence and immersion. It may also involve remote control.