Telepresence robots are capable of virtual telecommuting and video streaming that can be beneficial for people with restricted mobility

Robotics and artificial intelligence have been a part of the digital transformation stage. These technologies are playing a huge role in redefining operational processes in various industries like manufacturing, IT, and healthcare. Although robots have been receiving suspicious gazes since their inception, robots have proven to be significant catalysts of automation. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the annual installation of industrial robots more than tripled within 10 years from 2010 to 2019, reaching 381 thousand units in factories around the world. 

Telepresence robots have become a familiar advanced robotics technology now, which enables telecommuting from being virtually present in different locations. These robots can enable interactions through video streaming and enhanced mobility. Telepresence robots are managed through remote controls and have wheels attached for easier mobility. 

Telepresence robots exclusively benefit people with restricted mobility to interact without any constraints. These robots can be used in dangerous situations to ensure the safety of the user, wherein they cannot risk moving out. Telepresence robots also assist in navigation that can benefit people with disabilities, the elderly, and children so that they can avoid hindrances. A recent report says that GoBe Robots launched the next-generation telepresence robots to reduce CO2 emissions. 

Telepresence in India

The first telepresence robot made in India goes by the name i2u2, which was developed in Bangalore. It allows users to communicate through smartphones or tablets put on the navigating robots to enable virtual communication from remote places. While speaking to YourStory, Aman Kajaria, Co-Founder and CEO of i2u2 revealed, “i2u2 has more advantages than a pure video calling solution because, “The user ‘ dialing in’ has full control of both video and mobility of the device (the robot) in the house and can freely move the robot around different rooms, 'see' and be 'be seen'. This enables a more natural interaction.”

Another recent advancement is the invention of a telepresence robot by two young researchers from Kanuru in Andhra Pradesh, India. Mani Babu Gorantla and Grandhi Sathya Venkata Krishna are graduates of VR Siddartha Engineering College and developed this robot as part of their final project under the supervision of Professor V N Prudhvi Raj. 

According to the report by TechXplore, the main objective of the recent study by Mani Babu, Krishna, and Prudhvi was to allow users to see things that are happening in remote locations in real-time. Further, the rapport says that they created a robot with an onboard camera and WiFi capabilities, which captures videos and allows users to watch them on their smartphone through an internet browser or virtual reality headsets. 

As they spoke to TechXplore, Mani Babu and Krishna said, “initially, we used Raspberry Pi and Arduino to control the robot, but eventually, we decided to try using MyRIO instead, which is more expensive but has a higher processing capability; thus, it can simultaneously fulfill the tasks of Raspberry Pi and Arduino.” 

These robots can have a greater impact in industries like education, healthcare, and media to enhance virtual accessibility and mobility. More inventions and researches should be pioneered in this direction to understand robotics and its abundant capabilities.