Differences in the roles of telepresence avatar robots and videophones

Telepresence avatar robots (hereafter referred to as telerobots) differ from videophones in that they can create a "spatial presence" in remote locations. Videophones are convenient tools that connect people through video and audio, but their scope of use is basically limited to the screens of computers and smartphones. On the other hand, telerobots go beyond the scope of simple video communication and can move freely within the space in which they are installed, making it possible to access the space itself. This difference in degree of freedom largely distinguishes the roles of the two.

Another feature of Telerobots is that they can be controlled remotely by a "teleporter," a person who controls them independently. This makes it possible to not only hold conversations with them, but also to directly affect people and objects in a space. For example, a Telerobot can move around a conference room and communicate with multiple people individually, or visit multiple booths in an exhibition hall, making it possible to take active actions. In this respect, Telerobots are not simply a "means of communication," but serve as a "substitute for the body" in remote locations.

Telerobo is also a unique tool that can almost forcibly "provide an opportunity for engagement" to people in the space where it is installed. For example, a robot that is physically present in the space can direct its gaze or speak to people, creating a presence that cannot be ignored. This is a feature that cannot be achieved with a simple video phone.

The significance of the "spatial presence" provided by Telerobo

The "spatial presence" that TeleRobo makes possible dramatically improves the quality of remote communication. With conventional video calls and online conferences, you can only recognize the other person's face and voice on the screen, making it difficult to get the feeling that you are actually there. However, TeleRobo provides the feeling of being there by reflecting the operator's perspective and intentions in the remote space. This makes it possible to create a "shared experience" that goes beyond simple dialogue.

For example, when considering its use in hospitals, telerobots can provide a different approach than simple online medical consultations. If a family member in a remote location can operate a telerobot to visit a hospitalized patient, they can feel a stronger connection than if they were to interact through a screen. Furthermore, by being able to check the situation around the patient for themselves and to interact with doctors and nurses on the spot, family involvement can be deepened.

Telerobo can also play an important role in business. For example, when communicating directly with employees at overseas branches or factories, telerobo can be used to shorten the distance between the local facilities and people. This makes it possible to grasp subtle nuances and situations that are difficult to convey through video calls or emails alone.

The spatial presence that Telerobo creates not only improves efficiency but also contributes to deepening psychological "connections." This is a major feature that sets Telerobo apart from other communication tools.

Specific examples of Telerobo usage and differences from video conferencing

The functions offered by TeleRobo have characteristics that cannot be realized by conventional video conferencing systems. We will explain the differences with video conferencing by giving specific examples of use.

1. Remote care in medical settings

In the medical field, the use of telerobots allows for closer interaction with patients and medical staff. For example, consider the case where a family member living far away operates a telerobot to visit a hospitalized patient. With videoconferencing, the conversation between the patient and family is limited to the screen. However, with telerobots, the family member can get close to the patient's bedside and check the environment of the hospital room. This allows the family member to understand the patient's condition more accurately and interact with the patient as if they were actually there.

On the other hand, when doctors and nurses use telerobots, specialists in remote locations can operate the telerobots to patrol the wards and directly communicate with patients and medical staff. This allows them to share the situation on-site in real time and discuss appropriate treatment plans. This kind of direct spatial sharing is limited to video and audio through a screen in video conferencing, so it lacks the immediacy and sharing of subtle nuances that is common in the medical field.

2. Participatory lessons in educational settings

Telerobots are also providing new value in the field of education. For example, there are cases where students who cannot attend school due to illness or travel restrictions operate Telerobots to move around the classroom and participate in classes. In online classes using video conferencing, students are limited to "receiving" the class from the other side of the screen, but with Telerobots, students can move around the classroom on their own and interact freely with their friends and teachers. This allows students to be actively involved in classes, creating an active learning environment that is different from a passive learning experience simply seen through video.

In addition, teachers can use Telerobo to visit multiple classrooms and school buildings, an advantage that videoconferencing does not have. With videoconferencing, teachers and students only have fixed conversations through a camera, and there is no flexibility to cover the entire space.

3. On-site business visits

In business situations, telerobots are increasingly being used as an alternative to on-site inspections. For example, when inspecting a factory or store, you can communicate with on-site staff in real time and closely check the status of the equipment and work. In video conferences, it is common for on-site staff to hold a camera and explain the situation, but this is a one-way perspective and there are limitations to the information that can be confirmed.

On the other hand, with a telerobot, the operator can freely change the viewpoint and observe every corner of the site. This reduces the sense of distance between the operator and the local workers, allowing for natural interaction, giving the operator the experience of being at the site in person. This feature contributes to efficient and effective decision-making, especially in multinational corporations and global businesses.

The social impact of telerobots and their crucial difference from videoconferencing

Telerobo brings new value to remote communication and enables experiences that could not be realized with conventional video conferencing systems. This has had a wide-ranging impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Below, we will highlight the differences between telerobo and video conferencing, while listing some specific impacts.

1. Reducing social isolation

Telerobots play a major role in resolving social isolation. For example, consider the case of family and friends visiting elderly care facilities or nursing homes from a distance. Videoconferencing cannot fully compensate for connections with elderly people who have difficulty operating devices, or with nursing homes where direct contact is preferred. On the other hand, telerobots allow visitors to move around the facility themselves and interact with each other in a way that feels almost face-to-face. This experience of "sharing space" has the effect of reducing feelings of loneliness.

Furthermore, even if the facility staff is busy, visitors can check the situation and communicate with them independently using TeleRobo, an advantage that video conferencing does not have, as video conferencing relies on the camera's installation position and angle of view, making it difficult to fully grasp the surrounding situation.

2. Remote support during disasters

Telerobots are also attracting attention for their use in support activities at disaster sites. For example, in areas affected by earthquakes or typhoons, experts in remote locations can operate telerobots to survey the sites and provide guidance on recovery efforts. In videoconferencing, local staff typically walk around with a camera to explain the situation, but this has the following limitations:

  • Images and explanations are limited to the perspective of local staff
  • The operator cannot focus on the part he or she wants to check.
  • Increased burden on local staff

By utilizing telerobots, these limitations can be overcome. The operator can move around the site and give optimal instructions while checking the surrounding situation. In addition, it is also possible to reduce the burden on local staff, as disaster sites are often in a tight spot.

3. Redefining cultural experiences and tourism

Telerobots are also opening up new possibilities in the fields of tourism and cultural experiences. For example, people living far away can operate a telerobot to enjoy the exhibits and local atmosphere when visiting museums and tourist attractions. Virtual tours via video conferencing are also becoming popular, but they differ from telerobots in the following ways:

  • In video conferencing, the tour guide provides images and explanations one-way.
  • Participants are unable to act based on their own interests
  • Limited spatial realism and immersion

Telerobo allows visitors to view exhibits at their own pace and observe the site from their preferred viewpoints, giving them a sense of being there, something that videoconferencing cannot provide. In addition, it allows for direct interaction with local guides and other tourists, greatly improving the quality of the experience.

The future of Telerobo and its spread to society

What is clear from these examples is that TeleRobo provides spatial freedom and active involvement that could not be achieved through conventional videoconferencing. This technology, which prevents social isolation and transforms disaster relief and tourism experiences, is expected to be applied in an even wider range of fields.

Summary of the difference between telerobo and videoconferencing and their significance

Telepresence avatar robots (telerobots) play a different role than videoconferencing systems, and have a major advantage in providing spatial freedom and active involvement. While videoconferencing is limited to "conversation through a screen," telerobots manifest a "presence" in a remote space, enabling deeper interaction and involvement.

Main differences and features

  1. Spatial freedom
    Telerobots can move around remote spaces and observe and interact with their surroundings, allowing the operator to experience the experience as if they were actually there. On the other hand, videoconferencing is limited to the camera's viewpoint, so there is no freedom to grasp the entire space.

  2. Active Involvement
    While videoconferencing is primarily a passive form of communication, telerobots allow operators to actively interact with spaces and people, for example by controlling students' independent movements in a classroom or by providing unique perspectives during on-site inspections.

  3. Physical presence
    Telerobo almost forcibly creates opportunities for interaction with people in the room. For example, the robot's movements and gaze can trigger natural conversation, something that cannot be achieved through video conferencing via a screen.

Example

  • Medical: It will enable more flexible response to patient visits and remote medical care, deepening the psychological connection.
  • Education: It allows for classroom interaction and movement that is difficult in online classes, improving the quality of the learning experience.
  • Business: Improve the efficiency of on-site inspections and facility inspections, and speed up decision-making.
  • Tourism and cultural experiences: It will enable independent sightseeing and appreciation even in remote areas, providing new experiential value.
  • Disaster Relief: It reduces the burden on the field while enabling real-time situation assessment and instructions to be given.

The future created by Telerobo

Telerobots are tools that expand human presence in remote locations, alleviating social isolation, enabling new ways of working, and creating new experiential value. This technology, which has a spatial presence and physical impact that videoconferencing cannot provide, is becoming indispensable in a variety of fields, including medicine, education, business, tourism, and disaster relief. In the future, telerobots will likely become more widespread not just as a means of communication, but as an important piece of infrastructure for physically carrying out people's activities even in remote locations.

Telerobo is opening up new possibilities that go beyond the boundaries of videoconferencing by considering it as an "extension of human existence."