Advantages And Disadvantages of Using a Telepresence Robot

Technology has evolved big time and latest innovations have been coming up left and right. One of those innovations is a telepresence robot. A telepresence robot is not science fiction anymore. It is being used in several sectors such as elderly care, blended and hybrid learning in education, trade fairs, real estate, museums, etc. 

Even if it has been proven to be useful and there are numerous advantages, there are still disadvantages. 

Advantages

The existence and use of telepresence robots in the field of education has positively impacted the quality of education during the pandemic, where students are confined to the safety of their homes to avoid the virus. It has engaged the students’ interest and boosted their confidence and motivation. 

Telepresence robots also made it easier for educators to teach their classes since the cameras and sensors of the robots’ act as the eyes and ears of the teachers, making it easier to monitor the class and their students. 

The use of virtual telepresence robot also cuts the costs of corporate travel and frequent traveling for work. With the use of these robots, people who are on the other side of the world need not to be present at meetings in the offices anymore, also effectively reducing C02 emissions. 

Employees and managers are given the freedom and flexibility to work from home or other remote locations thus effectively increasing productivity and encouraging a work-life balance way of living. Inspection tours of factories and other establishments could also now be conducted without the inspector being physically present. This has made inspections easier especially if the facility or establishment is overseas.

Disadvantages

Learning to control the Telepresence robot is difficult, and the office environment isn’t always conducive. Telepresence robots are also hindered by obstacles (doors, stairs, lifts, sloping floors), limited autonomy battery life, mediocre audio/video quality and inconsistent Wi-Fi signals, among other things.

Telepresence robotics are unable to communicate socially with their human environment, meaningful conversations can arise unexpectedly and informally anywhere at any time with anyone at conferences and business gatherings. It demonstrates minimal ability to engage in spontaneous social connection. 

The robot can’t reply to, improve, or benefit from on such events, and it’s not like the human capability to shape communication to suit the person and the situations. The lack of human intimacy is also one issue with telepresence robots. Certain forms of communication, such as nonverbal physical cues that reveal a person’s mood, intent, and more, are inaccessible to robots.

The cost of telepresence robots is also a little high. There are other expenditures associated with the battery as well, such as the cost of charging docks.

The prevalent use of telepresence robots could also restrict the number of hires in remote areas and potentially cause job loss for current employees in the event of downsizing. 

Telepresence robots have proven their usefulness. But the drawbacks are also something that should be carefully considered. The practicality must outweigh the disadvantages to fully benefit from the convenience of these robots. 

The use of virtual telepresence robot also cuts the costs of corporate travel and frequent traveling for
work. With the use of these robots, people who are on the other side of the world need not to be
present at meetings in the offices anymore, also effectively reducing C02 emissions.
Employees and managers are given the freedom and flexibility to work from home or other remote
locations thus effectively increasing productivity and encouraging a work-life balance way of living.
Inspection tours of factories and other establishments could also now be conducted without the
inspector being physically present. This has made inspections easier especially if the facility or
establishment is overseas.
Disadvantages
Learning to control the Telepresence robot is difficult, and the office environment isn’t always
conducive. Telepresence robots are also hindered by obstacles (doors, stairs, lifts, sloping floors), limited
autonomy battery life, mediocre audio/video quality and inconsistent Wi-Fi signals, among other things.
Telepresence robotics are unable to communicate socially with their human environment, meaningful
conversations can arise unexpectedly and informally anywhere at any time with anyone at conferences
and business gatherings. It demonstrates minimal ability to engage in spontaneous social connection.
The robot can’t reply to, improve, or benefit from on such events, and it’s not like the human capability
to shape communication to suit the person and the situations. The lack of human intimacy is also one
issue with telepresence robots. Certain forms of communication, such as nonverbal physical cues that
reveal a person’s mood, intent, and more, are inaccessible to robots.
The cost of telepresence robots is also a little high. There are other expenditures associated with the
battery as well, such as the cost of charging docks.
The prevalent use of telepresence robots could also restrict the number of hires in remote areas and
potentially cause job loss for current employees in the event of downsizing.
Telepresence robots have proven their usefulness. But the drawbacks are also something that should be
carefully considered. The practicality must outweigh the disadvantages to fully benefit from the
convenience of these robots.