🤖 Robot Telepresence: How to Choose the Right Robot

Robot telepresence works best when the robot fits your real environment, network, and privacy needs. Before choosing a mobile model, test its camera, audio, controls, and route in the place you plan to use it.

The appeal is easy to picture: a remote colleague rolls into a meeting, turns toward the speaker, and joins the conversation instead of appearing as a face trapped in a laptop. But a doorway, noisy room, or Wi-Fi dead zone can quickly steal the scene—so dependable communication matters more than flashy autonomy.

From classrooms and offices to homes and healthcare settings, we’ll explain how telepresence robots work, what to look for, where they’re useful, and when a stationary device or DIY build makes more sense.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose based on the job: A mobile robot suits remote visitors who need to move around; a stationary telepresence device may be enough for desk-based calls.
  • Test the real environment: Check Wi-Fi, audio, doorways, floor transitions, charging, and safe routes before deploying.
  • Treat privacy and security as core features: Set consent rules, access controls, camera expectations, and data-handling procedures.
  • Check what “autonomous” actually means: Navigation assistance does not necessarily mean a robot can operate safely without human oversight.
  • Plan for the whole lifecycle: Training, software updates, maintenance, support, and staff time all affect whether a robot delivers lasting value.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts About Robot Telepresence

A robot telepresence system lets a remote person see, hear, speak, and often move around a real location through a mobile robot. Think video call—then give the tablet wheels and the freedom to roll into the meeting room. 🤖

In our Robot Instructions™ guide to robots, we look at what makes a robot useful beyond the shiny demo: reliable connectivity, safe movement, clear communication, and a good fit for the people using it.

Quick fact What it means in practice
A telepresence robot is remotely operated The remote user typically sters from an app, browser, or other interface while viewing the robot’s camera feed.
It can create a stronger sense of presence than a fixed video call Mobility lets a remote visitor move between rooms and approach people, displays, or work areas, where permitted.
It still depends on the building Wi-Fi dead zones, narrow passages, stairs, crowds, and door thresholds can turn a confident robot into a very polite traffic cone.
Not every model is fully autonomous Some robots are driven by a human; others offer features such as obstacle detection, assisted docking, or autonomous navigation.
Privacy is a deployment requirement Camera access, recording, consent, account security, and local policies should be addressed before use.
There are mobile and stationary options A wheled robot suits roaming; a tablet-mounting device such as Kubi can remotely pan a camera from a desk or tabletop.

Fast buying tips

  • ✅ Test the robot on your actual network and routes. A showroom floor is not your hallway.
  • ✅ Prioritize audio and driving control. If people can’t hear one another or the robot bumps into chairs, its impressive screen won’t save the meeting.
  • ✅ Check how it handles charging and idle time. Confirm where it parks, how it docks, and who responds when it needs help.
  • ✅ Set privacy rules before handing out logins. Decide who may connect, where the camera can go, whether calls are recorded, and how users signal consent.
  • ❌ Don’t assume “autonomous” means “no supervision.” Check exactly which tasks are automated and where a human operator remains responsible.
  • ❌ Don’t buy on travel-savings claims alone. Measure actual use, reliability, and avoided trips for your organization.

What Is a Telepresence Robot?


Video: Duke Raleigh Hospital Uses Telepresence Robot For Patient Care.







A telepresence robot is a remotely accessible robot that carries a camera, screen, microphone, and speaker through a physical environment. The remote operator can interact with people on site and, on mobile models, steer between locations.

The key difference from a regular video call is mobility. A person joining by laptop usually stays in one place; a robot can travel down a corridor, enter a suitable room, and turn toward whoever is speaking. That makes it useful for remote work, school participation, facility visits, and some healthcare workflows.

Telepresence products vary widely. Some are purpose-built mobile robots, including the Double 3 and Ohmni. Others use a tablet or phone as the display and camera, such as certain PadBot models. Stationary telepresence devices such as Kubi can rotate a tablet but do not travel around a building.

How Remote Presence Robots Work

At a basic level, a telepresence session connects a remote operator to a robot’s camera, microphone, display, and drive system. The robot sends video and audio to the operator; the operator sends commands and speech back.

System component What it does What to check
Camera Shows the environment to the remote user Field of view, image quality, low-light performance, and privacy controls
Display Shows the remote visitor to people at the robot’s location Screen visibility, eye-level position, and whether the visitor is easy to identify
Microphone and speaker Carry the conversation in both directions Echo control, volume, background-noise handling, and speaker placement
Drive system Moves or turns the robot Speed control, turning radius, braking, and support for thresholds
Network connection Carries video, audio, and control commands Coverage, bandwidth, latency, network restrictions, and recovery after a drop
Software and accounts Enables calls, access control, and device management Supported platforms, security features, updates, and administrator controls

A typical session looks like this:

  1. The operator signs in through the vendor’s supported interface.
  2. The robot comes online and shows its availability or charging status.
  3. The operator starts a call and checks that the video, audio, and controls work.
  4. The operator drives carefully, using the camera view and any available obstacle-assistance features.
  5. The people on site interact with the remote visitor as they would with a guest, while following local privacy and safety rules.
  6. The operator ends the session and returns the robot to its designated parking or charging area.

The route, not the app, is often the surprise. Before a real deployment, test doors, floor transitions, elevators, and busy areas. A robot that works beautifully in a demo room may struggle with a thick rug or a door that closes itself.

Telepresence Robots vs. Video Conferencing and Other Robots

Option Best suited to Main advantage Main limitation
Laptop or phone video call Scheduled calls from a fixed location Simple, familiar, and usually easy to set up The remote participant cannot move around the physical site
Stationary telepresence device Remote conversations from a desk or table Offers remote camera positioning without a mobile base Does not travel to other rooms
Mobile telepresence robot Roaming conversations, tours, and remote site visits Lets the remote user move through suitable spaces Requires routes, network coverage, charging, and safe operation
Autonomous mobile robot Tasks involving planned movement or navigation Can automate some navigation steps “Autonomous” capabilities vary by model and do not remove the need for oversight
Industrial teleoperation robot Remote operation of equipment or specialized tasks Can provide control at a distance Often designed for a specific task rather than general conversation

A telepresence robot is not automatically a healthcare device, security system, or autonomous worker. Its intended use depends on its design, software, operating environment, and the organization’s procedures. For broader context on safe deployment, see our Robot Ethics and Safety coverage.

The Evolution of Telepresence Robotics


Video: Ohmni® Telepresence Robot Quick Guide.








Telepresence grew from a simple idea: use communication technology to create a sense of being somewhere else. Video calls brought people face-to-face, but the camera and screen remained fixed. Mobile robotics added movement, giving a remote participant more control over where the conversation happens.

Commercial systems now range from tablet-on-wheels designs to purpose-built robots with integrated screens, navigation assistance, and docking features. Products such as Double Robotics’ Double 3 and OhmniLabs’ Ohmni illustrate how designs can combine video communication with mobile access.

The evolution has not followed a straight line from “simple” to “fully autonomous.” Instead, products make different trade-offs:

  • Tablet-based systems can use familiar devices and may simplify screen replacement, but the experience depends on the tablet and app.
  • Integrated systems can offer a more unified design, though users should check software support and service arrangements.
  • Stationary systems can provide camera movement at a desk without the navigation challenges of a wheled platform.
  • DIY systems offer learning and customization, but require engineering, testing, and ongoing maintenance.

One useful reminder comes from the brief build guide “A Simples Telepresence Robot” by Anton Maltsev: building a basic mobile presence device can be an approachable project, while a dependable robot for daily organizational use demands much more attention to safety, connectivity, privacy, and support.

Types of Telepresence Robots and Systems


Video: Ohmni Telepresence Robot: Be in Two Places at Once.








The best type depends on what the remote user needs to do. A remote colleague joining a meeting has different requirements from a student attending class from home or a clinician checking in with a patient.

Type Mobility Typical use Main trade-off
Wheeled mobile robot High within a suitable building Office visits, school participation, remote tours Needs accessible routes and reliable connectivity
Stationary tablet-mounting device None; camera may pan or tilt Desk-based meetings and remote conversations Cannot follow people between rooms
Autonomous or navigation-assisted robot Varies Repeated routes, docking, or assisted movement Capabilities and supervision requirements vary substantially
DIY kit or custom build Depends on build Education, protyping, and experimentation Requires integration, testing, and maintenance

Wheled Mobile Telepresence Robots

A wheled robot gives a remote visitor the ability to move through indoor spaces. Models such as the Double 3 and Ohmni are designed around remote presence and movement.

Benefits

  • The operator can change viewpoints and move between approved locations.
  • People on site can see the remote visitor’s face on the display.
  • A mobile platform can support informal interactions that are awkward to schedule as formal video calls.

Drawbacks

  • Floors, ramps, doorways, elevators, and crowded routes may limit access.
  • The robot needs charging, secure accounts, and an on-site response plan.
  • Connectivity and camera placement can make conversation difficult in noisy or congested areas.

When you evaluate a mobile model, test the actual route with the remote operator—not just with a local person standing beside the robot. Remote driving can feel different when you have to judge distance through a camera.

Stationary and Desktop Telepresence Devices

Stationary systems provide a remote camera viewpoint without a mobile base. Kubi is an example of a device designed to pan a tablet during a video call.

These systems make sense when the conversation happens in one room, such as a meeting space, classroom, or bedside environment. They avoid many mobility challenges, including navigating around people and obstacles. The trade-off is simple: the remote user cannot follow the conversation to another room.

Before choosing one, check supported tablet sizes, compatible software, camera orientation, mounting stability, and whether the device’s movement range suits the room.

Autonomous and AI-Enabled Telepresence Robots

“Autonomous” can mean several things, from simple obstacle assistance to navigation along a planned route. It does not necessarily mean the robot can safely handle every doorway, person, or unexpected situation without a human.

When a vendor describes autonomy, ask:

  • Does the robot navigate independently, or does it only assist while a person drives?
  • Can it stop for obstacles?
  • Does it support autonomous docking or only guided charging?
  • What happens if the route is blocked or the network drops?
  • Can administrators restrict where it goes?
  • Which capabilities require a subscription, connected service, or particular network setup?

For background on the broader technology, explore Autonomous Robots and Machine Learning. These fields overlap with telepresence, but a telepresence robot does not necessarily use AI for navigation.

DIY Telepresence Robot Kits

A DIY kit can be an excellent way to learn about robotics, remote communication, and software integration. The Ubo Maker is one example listed as a build-oriented telepresence option.

A DIY project may involve a mobile base, camera, compute hardware, communication software, battery system, and remote controls. The hard part is not always making it move. It is making it reliable, secure, predictable, and safe around people.

DIY is a good fit for:

  • Robotics education and supervised demonstrations
  • Prototyping an interface or movement concept
  • Makers who enjoy troubleshooting and customization

It is less suitable when a school, clinic, or business needs dependable everyday service, vendor support, and managed access controls.

Where Telepresence Robots Are Used


Video: Ohmni Telepresence Robot for Continuous Improvement.








Telepresence robots can support remote participation in many settings, but the right application depends on consent, accessibility, safety, and operational fit. A robot is a communication tool—not a substitute for trained staff, in-person care, or appropriate safeguarding.

Healthcare, Hospitals, and Telemedicine

In healthcare, telepresence may support remote communication, team coordination, education, or approved clinical workflows. A mobile device can help a remote professional connect with people at a facility without traveling there for every interaction.

The use case must be defined carefully. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ HIPAA guidance explains that covered entities and business associates must protect electronic protected health information through appropriate safeguards. Whether a particular telepresence workflow is subject to HIPAA depends on the organizations, information, and services involved; a product label alone does not determine compliance.

Before deployment, healthcare organizations should review:

  • Patient consent and staff procedures
  • Camera and microphone behavior, including whether recording is possible
  • User authentication, permissions, and session controls
  • Network security and vendor data handling
  • Infection prevention and cleaning protocols
  • Accessibility, clinical appropriateness, and escalation procedures

A robot may improve access to remote conversation, but it should not be treated as a diagnostic or care device unless it is specifically intended and authorized for that use.

Schools, Universities, and Remote Learning

A mobile telepresence robot can let a student participate in selected classroom activities when attending in person is not possible. The student may be able to move the robot’s viewpoint, join group discussions, or visit another part of the school, depending on the device and local rules.

The practical hurdles are familiar to anyone who has tried to join a class remotely: audio, bandwidth, classroom routines, privacy, and support. Schools should agree on where the robot may go, who helps with setup, how students interact with the remote participant, and what happens during transitions.

For a successful pilot:

  1. Choose a small number of lessons and routes.
  2. Confirm permissions with the student, family, school, and relevant staff.
  3. Test audio from the student’s expected location.
  4. Assign a trained on-site contact.
  5. Review the experience with the student and teacher before expanding use.

Offices, Remote Work, and Hybrid Teams

In an office, a telepresence robot can make a remote colleague more mobile than a fixed conference-room screen. They may join a meeting, move to a permitted work area, or have an informal conversation without asking someone to carry a laptop around.

That can be useful—but only if coworkers understand when and where remote access is welcome. Set expectations for meeting rooms, quiet areas, confidential conversations, and locations where a camera should not enter.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides workplace safety resources that organizations can use when considering equipment in shared work areas. A deployment plan should also account for trip hazards, traffic flow, and the robot’s speed and stopping behavior.

Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Industrial Sites

Industrial environments can benefit from remote site visits and communication, but they are also demanding: noise, moving equipment, restricted zones, floor debris, and specialized protective rules can all affect robot use.

Before bringing a robot onto a production floor:

  • Confirm site access and required personal protective equipment for visitors.
  • Define routes and no-go areas.
  • Check whether the robot can be heard over machinery.
  • Prevent the display from distracting operators.
  • Follow site-specific safety procedures and supervision requirements.

For related automation topics, see Agricultural Robotics and our resources on robot design. A general telepresence robot should not be assumed suitable for hazardous environments.

Retail, Hospitality, and Customer Service

Retailers, museums, hotels, and visitor centers may use mobile telepresence for tours, remote experts, or demonstrations. The robot can bring a remote person into a space without requiring them to travel there, while on-site visitors interact with a visible screen and speaker.

Consider:

  • Whether visitors know they are interacting with a remote person
  • How the robot handles busy public areas
  • Whether public Wi-Fi is suitable or a managed network is needed
  • How staff can intervene or end a session
  • Whether the robot’s camera could capture private or restricted areas

A polished demo is not the same as a safe public deployment. Pilot in a controlled area first, then evaluate how real visitors respond.

Home, Family, and Social Connection

At home, a telepresence robot can let someone check in with family, join a gathering, or visit a room remotely. The PadBot U1 is marketed for home and family use, while tablet-based options may be more appropriate for stationary conversations.

The social side matters as much as the hardware. Agree on when the robot may be connected, which rooms are off limits, whether anyone can disconnect it, and how household members signal that they do not want a call. A robot should make contact easier—not turn the home into a surprise video set.

How to Choose a Telepresence Robot


Video: Telepresence Robot Battle | Community Season 6 Episode 4.








Start with the job, not the product brochure. Write down where the robot will operate, who will control it, how often it will be used, and what happens if it fails.

Selection factor Questions to ask
Use case Is the goal meetings, tours, education, family visits, or an approved clinical workflow?
Mobility Must the remote person move between rooms, or is a stationary camera enough?
Environment Are routes wide, level, well lit, and accessible? Are there elevators, ramps, or thresholds?
Communication Can people hear one another in the real setting? Is the screen visible from a natural speaking distance?
Network Does the Wi-Fi cover the complete route, including meeting rooms and parking locations?
Privacy Who can connect? Can cameras be disabled? Are sessions recorded or logged?
Support Who handles setup, maintenance, software updates, and user questions?
Operations Where will the robot charge, and who returns it there?

Mobility, Navigation, and Obstacle Avoidance

Check the robot on the paths it will actually use. Note doorway widths, thresholds, tight turns, ramps, flooring, pedestrian traffic, and any areas where movement should be restricted.

Obstacle avoidance is useful, but it does not make a robot immune to blocked paths or unexpected movement. Ask the vendor to demonstrate:

  • How the robot stops
  • How it behaves around a person or chair
  • Whether it can reverse safely
  • What the remote operator sees when the route is blocked
  • Whether a human can take over or recover the robot

The Double 3 is presented by its manufacturer as including obstacle avoidance and self-navigation. Verify how those features work in your environment rather than assuming the product description predicts every real-world case.

Camera, Display, Audio, and Conversation Quality

For a telepresence robot, communication quality is the product. Test the camera from the remote operator’s viewpoint and check whether people on site can hear the visitor without standing unnaturally close.

Look at:

  • Camera angle and viewing range
  • Screen height and readability
  • Speaker volume and microphone pickup
  • Echo and feedback during two-way conversation
  • Performance in bright, dim, and noisy spaces
  • How easy it is to tell who is connected

The screen should be positioned so the remote visitor feels part of the conversation. If it sits too low, people may look down at it like a tablet on a shopping cart.

Battery Life, Charging, and Operating Range

Manufacturers may report battery endurance under particular test conditions. Real use varies with movement, screen brightness, network conditions, call length, and battery age. Ask for the vendor’s test assumptions and verify expected session length during a pilot.

Confirm:

  • Typical operating time in your intended use
  • Whether the robot charges automatically or needs manual connection
  • How it signals low battery
  • Whether it can be used while charging
  • Who is responsible for returning it to its charging point

A robot without a reliable charging routine is a robot that will eventually be unavailable at exactly the wrong time. It is a law office equipment, apparently.

Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Network Requirements

Telepresence depends on a stable connection for video, audio, and control. Signal strength at the robot’s starting point is not enough; test the whole route and places where calls are likely to happen.

Ask your IT team to review:

  • Wi-Fi coverage and roaming between access points
  • Network rules that may block calling or device management
  • Bandwidth during simultaneous calls
  • Authentication and device enrollment
  • Whether cellular connectivity is supported or appropriate
  • Recovery behavior after signal loss

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s broadband resources offer general connectivity information, but only an on-site network assessment can tell you whether a specific building is ready.

Software, Compatibility, and Remote Control

Check which operating systems, browsers, apps, and meeting platforms are supported. A product may work well on its intended software stack yet be awkward if your organization relies on a different platform.

Verify:

  • Supported devices for the remote operator
  • Account roles and administrator controls
  • Software update frequency and support policy
  • How users start and end sessions
  • Whether multiple operators can access the device
  • How the vendor handles data, logs, and security notifications

Do not assume that “works with video calling” means it supports every conferencing service. Confirm the exact integration and test it with your organization’s accounts.

Accessibility, Ergonomics, and Ease of Use

A robot should be usable by the people who need it, including people with different mobility, vision, hearing, and technology needs. Consider how a remote operator controls movement, reads the interface, hears the conversation, and asks for help.

For on-site users, check whether the robot:

  • Can be approached and spoken with comfortably
  • Fits accessible routes and shared spaces
  • Has a screen that is visible from seated and standing positions
  • Offers clear indicators when a call is active
  • Can be stopped or parked by an authorized person

If the interface requires a skilled operator every time, that staffing requirement belongs in the deployment plan.

Build Quality, Support, and Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase decision includes more than the hardware. Consider software, networking, accessories, support, staff time, repairs, training, and the effort required to keep the system secure.

Ask the vendor:

  • What warranty and repair services are available?
  • How long are software and security updates expected?
  • What support hours and response times are offered?
  • Which parts are replaceable?
  • What happens if the company changes or discontinues a service?
  • Can the organization export or delete its data?

Consumer listings from TelepresenceRobots.com show a broad mix of devices, but its product pages do not provide a consistent set of technical specifications or ratings. That means you should compare verified manufacturer documentation and demonstrations, not just short listing copy.

Telepresence Robot Features: What Matters Most


Video: How to Not Embarrass Yourself in Front of the Robot at Work.








Feature lists are useful only when they match a real need. A display that looks impressive will not compensate for poor audio, and a navigation feature may not matter if your use case stays at one table.

Feature Why it matters Evidence to request
Remote driving Gives the operator control over viewpoint and location Live demonstration on your route
Navigation assistance May help with obstacles or docking Clear description of supported conditions
Height adjustment Can make conversation more natural Demonstration with seated and standing participants
Privacy controls Helps limit unintended camera or microphone access Admin settings, visible indicators, and documented behavior
Multi-user management Supports teams or shared devices Role-based access and audit options
Charging workflow Keeps the robot ready for use Docking demonstration and low-battery behavior

Remote Driving and Autonomous Navigation

Most users should treat remote driving as the core capability and autonomy as an additional feature whose exact scope needs verification. Ask whether the operator can control speed, stop quickly, turn accurately, and recover from a blocked route.

The first video offers a playful look at a Double robot moving around an office, joining calls, visiting a conference room, and testing its connection outside. One participant jokes, “It’s like an iPad on a Segway.” The humor makes the idea memorable, but the outdoor Wi-Fi test also hints at a practical lesson: connectivity and environment shape what the robot can actually do. A funny demonstration is not a substitute for an operational safety test.

Height Adjustment and Screen Positioning

A screen that sits near face level can make conversation feel more natural than one positioned near the floor. Some systems provide adjustable height; others use a fixed camera-and-screen arrangement.

Check the intended setting:

  • Office: Does the screen work at desks and in meetings?
  • Classroom: Can students see the screen from a seated position?
  • Home: Can family members hear and see one another without repositioning furniture?
  • Healthcare: Does placement fit the room and the organization’s workflow?

A hands-on test with the intended users is more revealing than a product photo.

Privacy Controls and Visible Recording Indicators

People should know when a telepresence robot is connected and what it can capture. Look for clear connection indicators, the ability to end a session, and administrator settings that restrict access.

Ask whether:

  • Video or audio is recorded by default
  • The operator can activate the camera without a visible call
  • Users can disable or cover sensors
  • Session logs show who connected and when
  • Data is stored, transmitted, or processed by third parties

For additional guidance, see Robot Ethics and Safety. A privacy policy should be understandable to ordinary users, not just the IT team.

Multi-User Access and Fleet Management

Shared robots need clear ownership. Fleet tools may help administrators manage accounts, devices, updates, permissions, and status, but the specific functions vary by vendor.

Before rolling out multiple units, establish:

  1. A device owner or administrator.
  2. Named operator accounts rather than shared passwords.
  3. A process for removing access when staff leave.
  4. A maintenance and charging schedule.
  5. A response plan for lost connectivity or a misplaced robot.

Privacy, Safety, and Cybersecurity


Video: What is telepresence?







A telepresence robot combines a camera, microphone, network connection, and physical movement. That combination makes privacy and safety central parts of the design—not fine print for later.

Tell people when a robot is present, who is operating it, and whether any part of the interaction is recorded. Follow applicable laws and organizational policies for the setting. For healthcare information, review HS HIPAA Security Rule guidance; for schools, consult applicable student-privacy requirements and local policy.

A practical privacy checklist:

  • ✅ Post clear notices where a robot may operate.
  • ✅ Use visible indicators for active calls.
  • ✅ Define off-limits areas.
  • ✅ Tell users how to end or decline an interaction.
  • ✅ Confirm recording and data-retention behavior with the vendor.
  • ❌ Do not assume that a device is private simply because no one presses “record.”

Account Security, Encryption, and Software Updates

Ask the manufacturer for details on authentication, encryption, security updates, vulnerability reporting, and data handling. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework offers a general structure for managing cybersecurity risk.

Good operating practices include:

  • Use unique accounts and strong authentication.
  • Restrict access to approved users.
  • Apply updates through a documented process.
  • Keep devices on a managed network where appropriate.
  • Review logs and revoke access when it is no longer needed.
  • Know how to report a security issue and disable a compromised device.

Physical Safety, Accessibility, and Shared Spaces

The robot shares space with people, furniture, and sometimes equipment. Set a safe speed, define restricted routes, and make sure the robot can be stopped or moved aside by authorized staff.

Consider:

  • Pedestrian flow and narrow corridors
  • Doorways, floor transitions, and ramps
  • Cables, bags, and other trip hazards
  • Children, patients, or people unfamiliar with the robot
  • Safe parking that does not block exits or accessible routes

For workplace settings, consult relevant guidance from OSHA. A robot should not be sent into a hazardous area merely because its operator is remote.

Telepresence Robot Setup and Deployment


Video: Carolina Cruz-Neira’s Humanoid Robot | Immersive Telepresence.








A careful pilot saves time later. Assign an owner, test the environment, define privacy and safety rules, and train the people who will actually use the device.

Preparing Your Building and Wi-Fi Network

Before unboxing, map the route from the robot’s charging location to its intended destinations. Record doorways, thresholds, elevators, busy intersections, and places with weak Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step site preparation

  1. Choose the use case and routes. Keep the first pilot focused.
  2. Walk the route. Note physical barriers and areas where a camera should not enter.
  3. Test the network along the route. Check live video and audio, not just a Wi-Fi icon.
  4. Review IT and security requirements. Confirm device enrollment, access rules, and software compatibility.
  5. Select a parking and charging location. Ensure it does not block circulation or exits.
  6. Agree on privacy and safety procedures. Make the rules visible to operators and on-site users.

Installing, Pairing, and Testing the Robot

Follow the manufacturer’s current instructions for setup; the exact process differs by model. After pairing, run a test call with an on-site helper before inviting a broader group.

Test:

  • Camera angle and screen visibility
  • Two-way audio in quiet and noisy conditions
  • Remote movement, stopping, and reversing
  • Network handoff between access points
  • Low-battery alerts and charging
  • Login permissions and session termination
  • Safe behavior when an obstacle blocks the route

Keep a record of any failed test. “It worked once” is not the same as “it is ready for routine use.”

Training Remote Operators and On-Site Users

A short training session can prevent awkward calls and unnecessary collisions. Operators should know how to start and end a session, drive at a safe speed, ask permission before entering a room, and respond if the robot loses connection.

On-site users should know:

  • How to identify an active call
  • How to speak with the remote person
  • How to request that the robot leave or stop
  • Whom to contact if the device malfunctions
  • Where it should be parked and charged

A good first session is supervised and short. Let the operator learn the controls before the robot joins a busy meeting or public event.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Reliability


Video: School District Employs A Robot | Double 2 Telepresence Robot | Case Study.







Routine care keeps the robot available and reduces interruptions. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for cleaning, battery care, inspection, and software updates.

Cleaning, Charging, and Routine Inspections

Create a simple checklist for the person responsible for the device:

  • Confirm the robot is charging and ready.
  • Inspect wheels, casters, screen, and cables.
  • Clean touchable surfaces and camera areas using approved methods.
  • Check for software updates and alerts.
  • Confirm that authorized users can connect.
  • Record damage, unusual noises, or battery changes.

In healthcare or other hygiene-sensitive settings, use the organization’s infection-prevention procedures and the manufacturer’s approved cleaning instructions.

Fixing Connectivity, Audio, and Navigation Problems

Symptom First checks Next step
Video freezes or disconnects Check signal along the robot’s route and confirm the network is available Ask IT to review roaming, device access, and network restrictions
People cannot hear the remote operator Check speaker volume, microphone position, and mute status Test in a quieter location and inspect audio settings
The robot is hard to steer Check camera view, speed setting, and floor conditions Practice with a spoter and report recurring control issues
The robot will not charge Confirm the charging connection and power source Follow the manufacturer’s battery and docking troubleshooting steps
The screen or camera is poorly positioned Check mounting and room layout Adjust height or choose a better meeting location if the model allows

Do not keep driving a robot that behaves unpredictably. Stop the session, secure it safely, and follow the vendor’s troubleshooting guidance.

When to Repair, Upgrade, or Replace a Robot

Consider repair or replacement if the device no longer receives security updates, cannot connect reliably, has a degraded battery, lacks needed accessibility features, or no longer suits the organization’s software environment.

Before deciding, compare:

  • Reliability and downtime
  • Repairability and parts availability
  • Ongoing support and update policy
  • User feedback
  • Current privacy and security needs
  • Whether a stationary system could meet the use case more simply

DIY Telepresence Robots: Build or Buy?


Video: ISE 2023: Humanizing Technologies Shows the Double 3 Self-Propelled Telepresence Robot.








Building a robot can be rewarding, especially for education and protyping. Buying a supported product may be more appropriate when people depend on it for daily communication.

Core Hardware and Software Components

A basic DIY telepresence robot may need:

Component Purpose
Mobile base and drive system Provides movement
Camera and display Gives the remote operator a view and shows the visitor to people on site
Microphone and speaker Support two-way communication
Compute hardware Runs control and communication software
Battery and charging system Powers mobile operation
Wireless connection Carries video, audio, and commands
Control interface Lets the remote user steer, speak, and manage the session
Safety controls Supports stopping, speed limits, and recovery

The build guide “A Simples Telepresence Robot” is a useful reference point for the DIY concept. Treat a prototype as a learning platform, not as a ready-to-deploy system, until it has been tested for safety, reliability, security, and privacy.

Common DIY Design Challenges

The challenges usually appear after the first successful drive:

  • Remote control latency can make precise steering difficult.
  • Battery behavior may change with screen and network use.
  • Audio feedback can make conversation unpleasant.
  • Network recovery may require more than reconnecting an app.
  • Mechanical stability matters when the display is tall.
  • Security needs deliberate account and update management.
  • Maintenance becomes the builder’s responsibility.

For principles that affect the structure and usability of a build, explore Robot Design.

When a Commercial Telepresence Robot Makes More Sense

Choose a commercial product when you need clear support, predictable operation, managed software, or a documented process for service and updates. Options such as the Double 3, Ohmni, and PadBot models represent different approaches; compare them against your requirements rather than assuming one brand fits every setting.

A commercial system is not automatically the better product for every project. A classroom prototype may be more educational as a build. A healthcare or business deployment may place greater value on support and operational consistency.

Measuring Telepresence Robot Success


Video: ORIGIBOT Carbon Fiber Advanced Telepresence Robot with Arm & Gripper.








A robot is useful only if people can use it safely and consistently. Measure the outcome, not just the number of calls made.

Useful Adoption, Reliability, and Engagement Metrics

Track a small number of practical measures:

  • Successful sessions versus failed or interrupted sessions
  • Time spent available and time spent charging
  • Network and audio issues
  • Frequency of help requests
  • Operator and on-site user feedback
  • Whether the robot supports the intended activity
  • Safety or privacy incidents and near misses

For education or healthcare, involve the people receiving the service in evaluation. A deployment can appear efficient to administrators while creating extra work for teachers, clinicians, or support staff.

Calculating Return on Investment

Travel savings are often part of telepresence marketing. One shop page promotes the Ava 500 as a way for executives to reduce travel, while the TelepresenceRobots.com overview describes avoiding travel time and related costs. Treat these as vendor claims, not guaranteed results.

Build your own calculation:

Estimated value = avoided travel costs + time recovered + operational benefits − deployment and support costs

Include:

  • Travel that the robot genuinely replaces
  • Setup, training, IT, and support time
  • Network or security work
  • Device downtime and repair
  • The cost of in-person visits that remain necessary

The best evidence is a pilot with a clearly defined use case and a baseline. If you cannot show what travel, time, or access problem the robot improves, the purchase case is still wearing its training wheels.

The Future of Telepresence Robotics


Video: Ohmni Telepresence Robot for Education: Bridge the Gap.








Telepresence systems are likely to keep improving in navigation assistance, device management, accessibility, and integration with communication tools. Progress will still depend on solving practical problems: network reliability, privacy, safe movement, and whether people actually want a robot in the room.

AI, Autonomy, and Smarter Navigation

AI may support obstacle recognition, route planning, or more natural interaction. The presence of AI does not guarantee safe or correct behavior; organizations should ask how features are tested, what data they use, and when a human must take over.

For a broader view, see our coverage of Machine Learning and Autonomous Robots. In telepresence, the most useful automation may be modest: reliable docking, predictable stopping, and clear recovery when a route is blocked.

Telepresence Robots and Teleoperation

Telepresence is one form of teleoperation: a person remotely controls or directs a device. As interfaces and networks improve, remote users may gain more precise control and clearer feedback. The essential design question remains: can the operator understand what the robot is doing and intervene safely?

Emerging Uses and Accessibility Improvements

Future systems may better support people with different mobility, sensory, and communication needs. Useful advances will include more accessible controls, clearer audio, adjustable display positions, stronger privacy controls, and deployment tools that help organizations manage devices responsibly.

Sources and useful links for this article

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is the editor of Robot Instructions, where he leads a team team of robotics experts that test and tear down home robots—from vacuums and mop/vac combos to litter boxes and lawn bots. Even humanoid robots!

From an early age he was taking apart electronics and building his own robots. Now a software engineer focused on automation, Jacob and his team publish step-by-step fixes, unbiased reviews, and data-backed buying guides.

His benchmarks cover pickup efficiency, map accuracy, noise (dB), battery run-down, and annual maintenance cost. Units are purchased or loaned with no paid placements; affiliate links never affect verdicts.

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