From Canada to Japan: How 10,000 km Affect User Perception in Robot Teleoperation

2025-08-07

AI Summary

Prior research lacks empirical evidence on teleoperation over ultra-long distances (>10,000 km), particularly regarding its perceptual impact on non-expert users in elder care contexts. Method: We conducted the first systematic comparison between local and remote teleoperation across a 10,000-km distance, using a ROS-Unity integrated experimental platform and administering multi-stage standardized questionnaires to assess user perception. Contribution/Results: No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between local and remote conditions across key perceptual dimensions—including trust, sense of control, and interaction naturalness—demonstrating perceptual equivalence of ultra-long-distance remote teleoperation (RTo). This provides critical human-factors evidence and technical feasibility support for cross-regional robotic caregiving services.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Manipulation
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Multiagent Systems: Teamwork

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Studies of user behavior, including longitudinal effects of personalized systems
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: LLM based quality controls for crowd work

Abstract

Robot teleoperation (RTo) has emerged as a viable alternative to local control, particularly when human intervention is still necessary. This research aims to study the distance effect on user perception in RTo, exploring the potential of teleoperated robots for older adult care. We propose an evaluation of non-expert users' perception of long-distance RTo, examining how their perception changes before and after interaction, as well as comparing it to that of locally operated robots. We have designed a specific protocol consisting of multiple questionnaires, along with a dedicated software architecture using the Robotics Operating System (ROS) and Unity. The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the local and remote robot conditions, suggesting that robots may be a viable alternative to traditional local control.

Problem

• Study distance effect on user perception in robot teleoperation
• Evaluate non-expert perception of long-distance teleoperated robots
• Compare user perception between local and remote robot operation

Innovation

• ROS and Unity software architecture
• Multiple questionnaires evaluation protocol
• Long-distance teleoperation perception study