Today, telepresence robots are used in a wide variety of industries like education, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare to name a few. Let’s take a closer look at some of their uses.
Education
There are dozens of applications for telepresence robots in education. They are being used in primary education, higher education, homebound instruction for ill and hospitalized students, simulations, graduate medical education, and more. In many circumstances, using telepresence robots in education can increase students’ engagement and connection to the course content. They can be used in conjunction with regular classroom equipment and experience no disruption to normal classroom activities.
For homebound students, extended school absences can leave students feeling lonely and isolated. That’s why administrators and parents around the world turn to telepresence robots to help ill or hospitalized children stay connected to their school community.
For distance learning, our seamless solution enables hybrid and hyflex education, providing teachers and students with the flexibility they need for engaging, face-to-face interactions. Click here to learn more about to incorporate hyflex learning and real presence experience in your classroom.
Healthcare and Senior Care
Telepresence robotics revolutionized how doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work. They help doctors be more active with their patients. They also help family members stay in touch with caregivers in other locations. They are also used to provide access to healthcare for patients who are unable to walk or have other mobility issues.
Telepresence robots for senior care can take on a number of forms. Some users rely on their robots as their remote eyes and ears for elderly family members. They use it several times throughout the day to check in on a family member as if they were walking through the door themselves. Others use it as a more immersive form of communication — logging into a telepresence robot for regular chats with seniors instead of using the phone, FaceTime or video conferencing. The result is the same — making the family feel as if they are together in real-time.
Are telepresence robots HIPAA compliant?
Before using a telepresence robot in a healthcare setting where HIPAA restrictions may apply, be sure to check if your robot is HIPAA compliant. The robotic manufacturer should keep your patient information secure and appropriately report security breaches involving personal healthcare information. Learn more about the HIPAA compliant Ohmni Robot.
Telecommuting
The telepresence robot is becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. Telepresence robots are not just for engineers anymore. They are becoming a popular option for companies who depend on remote work or have complex communication needs with clients.
Numerous companies are now utilizing these robots to help their employees work from home. One of the most exciting uses for these robots is helping to communicate with remote employees in real-time. This communication provides a vital link between the company and its employees which results in improved efficiency and productivity. Click here to learn how telepresence robots reduce barriers to communication for remote workers.
Manufacturing: Virtual Visits, Industrial Tours and Inspections
Telepresence robots are used on the manufacturing floor for Gemba walks, audits, inspections, and virtual visits. Companies like EPCOR use telepresence robots to bring customers onto the shop floor. This was especially helpful under COVID restrictions. Using the robot, customers could “ride through the shop as if they were there” to inspect parts, communicate with engineers and mechanics about repair solutions and invite colleagues to join from their own remote locations.
Another popular use for telepresence robots in the manufacturing industry is virtual gemba walk for continuous improvement. Having the ability to jump in and observe the factory floor without having the hassle and high cost of business travel can minimize equipment and production line failures. A robot enables process improvement professionals to monitor their facility’s health remotely to quickly find solutions when problems arise. Learn more about telepresence robots for gemba walks, audits and inspections.
Retail
Imagine walking into a store and purchasing anything you want without having to line up at a counter. Telepresence robots make this possible. Today, telepresence robots for retail are being used in a number of different ways. One art gallery in New York uses a telepresence robot to sell high-end art.
A furniture manufacturer in North Carolina — uses telepresence robots to invite customers into their showroom. Virtual showroom consultations with a telepresence robot are a great way to let customers browse through the inventory and discuss the numerous design options available.







