Telepresence robots have emerged as transformative tools, revolutionising how we connect, collaborate, and assist across distances. Whether for healthcare, education, business, or personal use, these robots offer a dynamic solution to bridge the gap between physical separation and meaningful interaction.

If you're considering investing in a telepresence robot, you'll want to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and objectives. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the crucial questions to ask when buying a telepresence robot, empowering you to make an informed decision.

Common concerns when buying robots

The adoption of telepresence robots has brought about transformative opportunities, but it has also raised some common concerns.

• Privacy: One prevalent concern revolves around privacy and security, particularly in healthcare and personal use scenarios, where sensitive information might be transmitted. Users worry about unauthorised access and data breaches.
• Adaptability: Another concern pertains to the adaptability and ease of use of these robots, as not all potential users are tech-savvy.
• Technical Glitches: Additionally, the potential for technical glitches and connectivity issues during critical remote interactions can cause anxiety.
• Environmental factors: such as obstacles or navigating complex physical spaces, are also common concerns, especially in busy workplace settings.
• Cost considerations: both initial investment and ongoing expenses, can be a significant worry, particularly for smaller organisations or individuals.

Addressing these concerns through robust security measures, user-friendly interfaces, and responsive technical support is essential to fostering confidence in the adoption of telepresence robots.

Here are the questions to ask when buying robots for telepresence connection.

What Purpose Will the Robot Serve?

What's the Primary Use Case?

Identifying the main purpose for your telepresence robot—be it remote work, healthcare consultations, education, or social interactions—will guide your choice in terms of features and capabilities.

Who Will Be the Primary Users?

Determine whether it will primarily serve individuals, patients, students, or employees. Different users may have varying requirements for ease of use and technical support.

What Environments Will It Navigate?

Consider where the robot will operate. When buying robot technology, will it need to navigate challenging terrains, crowded spaces, or relatively controlled environments? This impacts the choice of mobility features.

Mobility and Navigation

How Mobile Does It Need to Be?

Decide whether the robot should be highly mobile, able to move from room to room, or if a stationary robot would suffice for your needs.

What Type of Navigation System Is Required?

Depending on your environment, choose between robots with basic navigation or those equipped with advanced features like obstacle detection and autonomous navigation.

Connectivity and Compatibility

What Connectivity Options Are Supported?

Ensure the robot is compatible with your existing communication infrastructure, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or specialised platforms.

Is It Compatible with Various Devices?

When buying robots, check if the robot can be controlled and accessed through a range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, for maximum flexibility.

Does It Integrate with Your Software and Systems?

Verify whether the robot seamlessly integrates with your existing software, video conferencing platforms, and electronic health record systems if applicable.

Security and Privacy

How Is Data Security Addressed?

Prioritise data security and privacy. Inquire about encryption, authentication measures, and how the robot ensures the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Are There Privacy Features for the Physical Robot?

Ask if the robot has features such as camera covers or physical mute buttons to safeguard privacy when not in use.

Technical Support and Maintenance

What Support Services Are Offered?

Investigate the level of technical support provided by the vendor, including customer service, troubleshooting, and software updates.

Are There Warranties or Service Agreements?

Understand the terms of warranties and service agreements to ensure you have the necessary coverage for potential repairs or replacements.

Cost and ROI

What Is the Initial Cost?

Determine the upfront cost of purchasing the robot, keeping in mind that more advanced models may have higher price tags.

What Are the Ongoing Costs?

Consider recurring costs, such as maintenance, software subscriptions, and any additional accessories or features you may need.

Can You Estimate the Potential ROI?

Calculate the potential return on investment by factoring in savings from reduced travel, increased productivity, or improved healthcare outcomes, depending on your use case.

User Experience and Interface

Is the User Interface Intuitive?

Assess the ease of use of the robot's interface to ensure that users, whether tech-savvy or not, can operate it effectively.

Can You Customise the Robot?

Check if the robot can be personalised with accessories, branding, or features to align with your unique requirements.

Training and Onboarding

Is Training Provided?

Inquire about training programs and resources offered by the vendor to help users become proficient in operating the robot.

How Long Does Onboarding Take?

Understand the typical onboarding timeline to plan for a smooth integration of the robot into your workflow.

Environmental Considerations

Is the Robot Eco-Friendly?

For sustainability-conscious buyers, ask about the robot's environmental impact, including energy efficiency and recyclability.

Vendor Reputation and Reviews

What Is the Vendor's Reputation?

Research the vendor's track record, including customer reviews and case studies, to gauge their reliability and customer satisfaction.

User Feedback and Testing

Can You Test the Robot?

If possible, request a demonstration or trial period to test the robot's performance in your specific environment.

Future-Proofing

Does the Robot Have Upgradable Features?

Consider whether the robot can be upgraded with new features or capabilities to adapt to evolving needs.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Does the Robot Comply with Regulations?

Ensure that the robot meets any legal or regulatory requirements, especially in sectors like healthcare and education.

Scalability

Is the Robot Scalable?

Assess whether you can easily scale the use of telepresence robots within your organisation as your needs grow.

Case Study: Buying Ohmni Telepresence Robot for Aged Care

Innovative aged care settings have sought to redefine the well-being of seniors. Challenges inherent to aged care—limited mobility, isolation, and healthcare accessibility—prompted them to invest in an Ohmni Telepresence Robot.

The Challenge

Aged care settings faced typical aged care dilemmas, particularly in connecting residents with their loved ones and providing timely healthcare. With family members often living far away, seniors grapple with isolation.

Choosing Ohmni Telepresence Robot

Aged care settings in Australia have selected the Ohmni Robot due to its:

1. Ease of Use: Its user-friendly interface catered to residents, staff, and family members, ensuring everyone could operate it with ease.

2. Mobility and Navigation: Designed for agile navigation and obstacle avoidance, Ohmni seamlessly moved through resident homes.

3. Privacy and Security: Robust security measures, including encryption and user authentication, guaranteed resident data privacy.

The Implementation

Customised with the carer organisation logo, the Ohmni Robot was stationed strategically in communal areas, offering accessibility to family members.

The Benefits

Ohmni Telepresence Robot brought about a remarkable transformation:

1. Enhanced Family Connections: Residents could have face-to-face interactions with loved ones, fostering a sense of togetherness, regardless of distance.

2. Improved Healthcare Access: Telehealth consultations ensured residents received timely medical advice, improving health outcomes.

3. Increased Resident Engagement: The robot fostered a sense of community as residents took virtual "walks" to check in on one another.

4. Cost-Efficiency: While considering the initial cost, the long-term savings from reduced transportation and improved well-being justified the investment.

Conclusion

Adoption of Ohmni Telepresence Robot in aged care demonstrates the significant potential of such technology in aged care. By addressing key aged care considerations, including ease of use, mobility, healthcare integration, and privacy, residents' quality of life was improved. This case study serves as an inspiring example for aged care facilities in Australia, illustrating how thoughtful technology adoption can create a brighter, more connected future for seniors.

Conclusion

Buying a robot for telepresence is a decision that can greatly impact your organisation or personal life. By asking these essential questions and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and ensures a seamless integration of this transformative technology into your workflow or daily life. As technology advances and the applications of telepresence robots continue to grow, the right choice today can set the stage for more efficient, connected, and accessible interactions in the future. Remember that each use case may have unique considerations, so don't hesitate to reach out to vendors, request demonstrations, and seek expert advice when needed. With the right telepresence robot and a well-informed approach, you can unlock a world of possibilities for remote communication, collaboration, and assistance.

About Robots4Good

As a leading provider of robots as a service, Robots4Good is the exclusive supplier of OhmniLabs services and robots in Australia and New Zealand for business, manufacturing, schools, hospitals, disability and aged care settings.