teleoperation

Teleoperation is the remote control of a device or robot from a distance, in which operator commands transmitted over a communication link are used to manipulate the remote system, while sensory information from the remote site is returned to the operator. In a typical teleoperation system, a master device (control interface) represents the operator’s input, and a slave system (the robot) executes the commands. The operator may receive visual, auditory, and haptic feedback to guide manipulation, enabling tasks such as grasping, moving, and sensing the remote environment. When feedback includes sense of touch, the arrangement is called telemanipulation or telerobotics and often uses haptic devices to convey force and tactile information.

Operations depend on the communication link’s latency, bandwidth, and reliability. High latency can degrade performance, making predictive control, impedance or admittance control, and local autonomy important. Some systems use telepresence, providing near real-time audiovisual immersion to the operator, while others employ supervised autonomy where autonomous routines handle routine subtasks under human oversight.

Teleoperation is used in many domains, including underwater and space exploration, disaster response, industrial manipulation, and surgical robotics. Drones can be operated remotely for inspection or delivery, and robotic manipulators extend capabilities where human presence is risky or impractical.

Safety and security are central concerns, with emphasis on redundancy, failsafe modes, operator training, and protection against cyber threats. The field continues to evolve toward hybrid systems that combine remote control with increased autonomy to reduce latency and operator workload.