What Is a Telepresence Robot?

A telepresence robot is a combination of a mobile robotic base, a screen (tablet or monitor), a camera, a microphone, and speakers. It connects over a network - usually Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection - and is controlled remotely through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The remote user moves the robot, sees through its camera, and speaks through its microphone, creating a sense of physical presence from far away.

In pediatric healthcare, telepresence robots are used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), neonatal units, schools, and home settings to extend the reach of medical care and support.

Purpose of Telepresence Robots - Where and Why They Are Used

Main Purposes in Pediatric Care

• Remote specialist consultation: A pediatric neurologist, cardiologist, or other specialist can assess a child from a distance, saving travel time and giving quicker access to expert opinion.
• Rounds in pediatric wards: Hospital teams can conduct virtual ward rounds, with senior physicians joining remotely through the robot.
• Neonatal and PICU monitoring: Specialists can observe and communicate about critically ill newborns or children without being physically present at all times.
• Follow-up consultations: Routine post-discharge follow-ups can happen through the robot, reducing the need for the child and family to travel.
• Mental health and developmental assessments: Child psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians can conduct assessments remotely.
• Homebound children: Children who are too unwell to attend school or outpatient clinics can receive educational and medical support at home.
• Rural and underserved settings: In areas where specialist pediatricians are not available locally, telepresence robots bridge that gap significantly.

Types of Telepresence Robots Used in Healthcare

Several types of telepresence robots are available. They vary in size, features, and the level of clinical integration they support.

How to Use a Telepresence Robot - Step-by-Step Guide

Before Starting

• Ensure the robot battery is fully charged (most robots signal low battery on their display).
• Check that the Wi-Fi or network connection is stable and fast (minimum 5 Mbps upload/download recommended).
• Clean the robot screen and camera lens with a soft, dry cloth.
• Make sure the robot is registered and configured in the system (done by technical staff during setup).

For the Remote Operator (Person Controlling the Robot)

1. Open the manufacturer's app or web portal on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Log in with authorised credentials.
2. Select the robot you want to connect to from the list of available devices in your facility.
3. Start the session - the robot will ring or signal at its location, and the person there can accept the call.
4. Use the on-screen controls (arrow keys, joystick, or touchscreen gestures) to move the robot forward, backward, and to turn in any direction.
5. Adjust the camera angle up or down to see the patient's face, chart, or monitor as needed. Many robots allow the screen height to be adjusted remotely.
6. Speak normally - your voice will come through the robot's speaker clearly. Use the mute button when not speaking if there is background noise.
7. If the robot has medical device attachments (like a digital stethoscope), instruct the person at the bedside to place the device as instructed and listen to the output on your end.
8. End the session by clicking the disconnect or hang-up button. The robot will return to idle mode.

For the Person at the Robot's Location (Bedside)

1. Turn on the robot using the power button (usually located at the base or back of the device).
2. Position the robot near the patient's bed, within normal speaking distance, with no obstacles between the robot and the patient.
3. Confirm the network connection is active (check the Wi-Fi indicator on the robot's screen).
4. Wait for the incoming call from the remote operator. Accept it using the on-screen button or physical accept button.
5. If the robot is being used for a clinical examination, assist the remote operator by placing medical attachments as instructed (e.g., holding a peripheral camera to show a wound or rash).
6. Help position a child patient in view of the camera and ensure the lighting is adequate so the remote operator can see clearly.
7. After the session ends, move the robot back to its charging dock.

Precautions and Potential Dangers

Physical Safety

• Never leave the robot unattended in a room with unsupervised children. Small parts or cables can pose a hazard to young children.
• Ensure the robot moves slowly in clinical areas. Most medical-grade robots have a speed limit below 1 m/s to prevent accidents.
• Keep floors clear of toys, cables, or wet surfaces to prevent the robot from tipping or falling.
• Do not allow children to climb on or hang from the robot. The screen and frame can be damaged and pose a fall risk.
• Check for loose cables or cracked screens before every session and report them to technical staff immediately.

Infection Control

• Clean and disinfect the robot surface regularly, especially in wards with infectious patients. Follow the manufacturer's disinfection guidelines - not all surfaces tolerate alcohol-based wipes.
• In isolation rooms, do not bring the robot inside unless it is covered with a manufacturer-approved protective cover or the specific model is rated for such environments.
• Wipe the camera lens, screen, and base with approved hospital-grade disinfectant wipes between patient uses.

Network and Privacy Safety

• Use only secure, encrypted network connections. Avoid public or open Wi-Fi networks for any patient-related session.
• Always use the official platform provided by the manufacturer or hospital - never use consumer video call apps on hospital robots.
• Obtain appropriate consent before conducting any telepresence consultation, following local healthcare privacy regulations (such as HIPAA in the USA, GDPR in Europe, or equivalent laws in other regions).
• Limit access to the robot's control system to authorised personnel only.

Clinical Limitations

• The robot cannot perform physical touch - it cannot palpate, percuss, or do hands-on examination independently.
• Audio and video quality depends on network conditions. A poor connection may lead to missed clinical detail.
• Do not use telepresence robots as the sole method of assessment in medical emergencies. In-person care must always be immediately available.

How to Keep the Robot Safe and Well-Maintained

• Store the robot on its charging dock when not in use to keep the battery at optimal health.
• Do not expose the robot to extreme heat, direct sunlight for extended periods, or high humidity environments not specified by the manufacturer.
• Keep the charging dock area dry and well-ventilated.
• Do not attempt to repair the robot internally without manufacturer authorization. Contact technical support for any malfunction.
• Keep a log of every session, cleaning, and technical issue to track the robot's condition over time.

Clinical Effectiveness - What the Evidence Shows

Multiple published studies in journals including Pediatrics, the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, and JAMA Pediatrics have examined telepresence robots in child healthcare settings. The overall findings consistently show:

• Telepresence robots are effective for remote specialist consultations in pediatric neurology, neonatology, and developmental assessments.
• In rural and remote settings, robotic telepresence has been shown to reduce delays in specialist access for children - which is especially important in conditions like stroke, sepsis, and seizures where time matters.
• Children and families generally report positive experiences with telepresence robots when they are properly introduced and the audio-visual quality is good.
• Clinical decisions made through telepresence robots have been shown to be comparable to in-person assessments in specific, well-defined scenarios (e.g., telecardiology in neonates).
• The technology is most effective when combined with trained bedside staff who can assist with examination and guide the child through the interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions