Telepresence Robots: Allowing Remote Employees a Physical Presence at Work

Last Updated on February 9, 2026

Want your remote team to feel like they share the same office? A telepresence robot lets you be “there” without travel. You control a unit over the internet that combines a camera, microphone, screen, and speaker for two-way video and audio.

Mobility matters. Many models roll on wheels, pan and tilt cameras, dock automatically, and avoid obstacles. Examples you may recognize include Ava Robot, Double 3, Ohmni Pro, and Vecna VGo — each offers different navigation, audio quality, and security features.

This intro gives you a quick, friendly primer so you can decide if this product is the best way to give your remote staff a real presence at the office. You’ll learn how the video, audio, and mobility stack work together, what it feels like as a user, and when these systems save you time and travel costs.

Key Takeaways

• See how presence works: video, audio, and mobility combine to place you in the room.
• Understand the user flow: log in, drive, aim the camera, and speak naturally.
• Know when mobility adds real value versus a simple video setup.
• Compare products quickly using core features like cameras, mics, and navigation.
• Plan for security and IT alignment early to avoid compliance blockers.
• Follow a clear pilot-to-scale path to minimize friction and prove business outcomes.

Buyer’s Guide at a Glance: How to Choose the Right Telepresence Robot Today

A clear decision flow prevents overbuying: define the job, map the environment, then set a budget. That simple sequence helps you match features to real needs and avoid paying for unused capabilities.

Quick decision flow: needs, environment, budget

Start by naming the primary use — executive walk‑throughs, patient rounds, or classroom inclusion. Note doors, corridors, and Wi‑Fi spots so you can judge mobility and coverage needs.

Shortlist criteria for your first vendor calls

• Five must-haves: autonomy or easy driving, reliable connectivity, strong camera and audio, simple control apps, and vendor support that fits your business.
• Ask for a live drive on your network to validate responsiveness and AV quality in your actual spaces.
• Compare total cost of ownership: subscriptions, cloud services, accessories, and maintenance matter as much as sticker price.
• Request industry references (healthcare floors, classrooms, or manufacturing lines) and confirm integration with Zoom/Teams and SSO.
• Run a 30–60 day pilot to measure outcomes before scaling and document any deal‑breakers on the first call.

Market leaders such as Ava Robotics, Double Robotics, OhmniLabs, VGo, and tablet-based options like Kubi or PadBot cover different budgets and environments. Use that shortlist to focus vendor conversations on the product features you actually need.

What Is a Telepresence Robot and How Does It Work?

Imagine logging in from your laptop and steering a device that shows your face, hears you, and moves through a workspace. At its core, a telepresence robot links your video and audio to a physical location so you can interact with people on-site.

Cameras, microphones, screens, and speakers for two‑way presence

The unit houses a camera and microphone for the remote user, plus a screen and speaker so people nearby see and hear you. This setup makes conversations feel less like a standard video call and more like walking up to someone.

Driving, docking, and remote control over Wi‑Fi or 5G

You control the device from a browser or app. Most mobile models roll on wheels, let you pan/tilt/zoom the lens, and adjust height so you can read whiteboards or inspect equipment.

• Smooth steering: drive between rooms and aim the video to match what you need to see.
• Smart uptime: obstacle detection and auto‑dock keep the unit charged and ready.
• Flexible connectivity: Wi‑Fi and optional 5G support roaming across larger sites.

Because the system was robot designed for human interaction, onsite people experience more natural exchanges. For multi-site teams, this approach scales your presence without adding travel time or coordination overhead.

Why Telepresence Robots Now: Market Signals You Shouldn’t Ignore

Market momentum now makes this technology a viable choice for real deployments, not just pilots. The market grew from USD 0.13 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 0.41 billion by 2035, a projected CAGR of 11.25% from 2025–2035.

Market size, leadership, and growth drivers

North America leads adoption thanks to mature vendors and supportive IT environments. Healthcare is the largest end user, proving scale in strict, compliance-heavy settings.

• Stationary share: about 65% of revenue today, though mobile units are gaining where flexible environments matter.
• Tech tailwinds: 4G/5G and artificial intelligence boost autonomy, resilience, and ease of use. See related autonomous delivery trends.
• Demand drivers: aging populations and chronic disease growth push remote care and bedside presence.

Vendor investment and government R&D are accelerating product roadmaps and lowering barriers to pilot. If you want to move from trial to scale, align selection to your environments and workflows for the next 12–24 months.

telepresence robots Use Cases That Deliver Real Business Value

Across hospitals, schools, and factories, you can use mobile presence to close distance and speed decisions. These systems move beyond novelty when they match a clear workflow—virtual rounds, classroom inclusion, or site oversight.

Healthcare: virtual rounds, extended care, infection control

In healthcare, clinicians perform virtual hospital rounds and check on patients in extended care without extra exposure. You reduce travel and limit infectious risk by being present remotely.

Clinical leaders also consult across locations and advise during procedures when specialists can’t be on-site.

Education: student inclusion and specialist instruction

For education, remote students attend class, interact with teachers, and move between rooms for a more inclusive experience.

Districts bring in specialists for language and STEM, increasing access without relocation.

Corporate and manufacturing: site walkthroughs and operations oversight

In business settings, managers drop in for spontaneous walkthroughs and review assembly lines in real time.

Facilities use patrols for after-hours checks, and teams report faster issue resolution and higher expert utilization.

“Start with the highest-value workflow—rounds, inclusion, or oversight—and scale once the results are clear.”

• Measurable wins: fewer trips and faster fixes.
• Better coverage: flexible presence across multiple locations.
• Proven brands: VGo supports virtual care and homebound students; Ohmni and Double have broad deployments in education and industry.

Mobile vs. Stationary Robots: Which Fits Your Locations and Workflows?

Choosing between a mobile unit and a fixed setup starts with how often you need to move through different areas.

Pick mobile when you must cross rooms, check multiple departments, or lead dynamic workflows. Units with wheels and good navigation reduce coordination and save travel time.

Choose stationary for a single-use spot like a classroom podium or nursing station. A fixed setup lowers cost and simplifies daily use, especially in high-traffic spaces.

Assess your environments: door widths, elevator thresholds, floor changes, and ramp access affect how easily a device moves between locations. Map quiet docking spots with reliable power to avoid traffic disruption.

• Prioritize strong navigation and obstacle avoidance for repeated rounds.
• Consider tablet-based or small-frame product options for huddle rooms.
• Mix mobile and stationary units if you need tours plus frequent fixed meetings.

Validate with a short pilot on your hardest route. That quick test reveals access blockers and ensures the device matches your durability and height needs before you scale.

Core Features to Compare Before You Buy

Compare the hard details — cameras, mics, navigation, and management — so your team gets reliable presence every day. Focus on features that affect daily use, not marketing copy. That keeps your pilot predictable and your budget honest.

Vision: camera resolution, PTZ, and peripheral views

Check resolution and PTZ capability first. Double 3’s dual 13 MP PTZ setup and Ava’s front and side cameras give wider coverage without constant repositioning.

Audio: mic arrays and amplified speaker quality

Evaluate mic arrays and amplified speaker output so conversations stay clear in noisy halls or busy classrooms. Ask for sample recordings from your space to judge real performance.

Navigation: obstacle avoidance, autonomous routing, docking

Look for proven obstacle avoidance and smooth autonomous routing. Ohmni Pro is noted for collision avoidance and responsive neck tilt. Confirm auto‑docking works reliably on your floors.

User control: apps, APIs, and remote management

Test web and native control apps, role‑based permissions, and available APIs. Make sure fleet tools let you monitor health, push firmware, and manage a growing product line.

• Quick checklist: camera quality, mic/speaker tests, navigation reliability, auto‑dock consistency, and control/management options.
• Prioritize what maps to your workflows and ask for on‑site demos.

Connectivity and Network Readiness: Wi‑Fi, Cellular, and 5G

Reliable connectivity is the single biggest factor that decides whether a remote presence keeps working or becomes a distraction. Plan your network before you deploy so users get smooth video and instant control across sites.

Coverage planning across buildings and remote sites

Map Wi‑Fi coverage and roaming paths across buildings. Pay special attention to elevators, stairwells, and long corridors where video can drop.

If you find blind spots, consider 5G or private cellular in critical zones to preserve video quality while the unit moves. Some models also use Bluetooth for local sensors and auto docking—these need consistent RF as well.

Latency, bandwidth, and QoS for consistent video

Work with IT to reserve QoS for real‑time media and set expected latency and jitter limits so the call feels natural.

Test on production networks during peak load, and validate handoffs between access points. Short dropouts can derail important moments.

• Support common auth methods and consider separate SSIDs or VLANs for devices to simplify troubleshooting.
• Evaluate uplink bandwidth and backhaul for remote clinics or warehouses so quality is consistent with headquarters.
• Build a simple runbook for IT with SSIDs, ports, and monitoring steps and revisit coverage after renovations.

Security and Compliance Considerations for U.S. Businesses

Treat these devices as managed endpoints and build a security plan before you deploy. That keeps patient areas and sensitive sites safe while you gain remote presence.

Encryption, authentication, and access control

Require end-to-end encryption and modern authentication so sessions can’t be intercepted. Use HTTPS management and certificate rotation just like Ava does.

Apply role-based control to separate who can drive, who can observe, and who can change settings.

Healthcare privacy and protected environments

If you operate in healthcare, align with HIPAA and facility policies for patient interactions. Limit recordings, log access, and restrict management interfaces to admin ranges.

• Harden devices with strong password policies and secure firmware updates.
• Segment units on the network and restrict guest access with time-bound credentials.
• Keep a facilities policy for storage and tamper prevention.

Run a tabletop exercise with IT and compliance so you know incident steps and audit trails before a real event.

Total Cost of Ownership: Pricing, Maintenance, and ROI

Start by separating one‑time purchases from recurring support and subscription costs. That helps you compare vendors and forecast expenses for the next three years.
Upfront vs. subscription: list hardware, cloud services, warranty, and training as separate line items. Many vendors bundle cloud platforms and annual fees (for example, VGoNet), so compare total yearly costs, not just the sticker price.

Measure savings and utilization

Quantify travel reduction by adding avoided mileage, airfare, and lodging. Convert saved travel into recovered time that you can redeploy to higher‑value work.

• Model TCO over 3 years: hardware, software/cloud, accessories, warranty/maintenance, and training.
• Track utilization: sessions per week, average session length, and departments served to confirm expected use.
• Include IT hours and network upgrades in your forecast so surprises don’t appear after purchase.

Tie ROI to outcomes. Show faster decision cycles, more frequent site touchpoints, and better patient access as well as hard dollar savings. Validate assumptions with a short pilot and confirm upgrade or trade‑in paths so the product stays useful as technology advances.

Vendor Landscape: Who’s Who in Telepresence Technology

Compare vendors by matching feature sets to your top workflows and worst-case routes. The market splits between full-featured fleets and simple tablet-based products. Your choice affects uptime, training, and ongoing support.

Key players to shortlist

• Ava Robotics — excels at autonomous navigation and embedded security for large offices and events.
• Double Robotics — Double 3 adds a built-in monitor, PTZ camera pair, and approachable autonomous driving for business use.
• OhmniLabs, VGo Communications, and MantaroBot — proven deployments across healthcare, education, and corporate sites.

Tablet-based and niche designs

For budget-sensitive or stationary locations, tablet options like Kubi (Classic/Plus) and PadBot (P1–P3) give presence with less complexity.

• Ask vendors for references from similar location types and sample camera/audio specs.
• Probe service models, spares availability, and repair turnaround; these matter as much as product features.
• Align your selection to your roadmap—some makers emphasize autonomy and advanced robotics, others optimize portability and simplicity.

Spotlight on Flagship Models: Features You Can Expect

When you test top models, focus on real-world driving, clear video, and dependable control apps.

Ava Robot

Ava shines in large offices and event spaces with true autonomous navigation and embedded security like encryption and HTTPS management. Its peripheral cameras aid coverage while admins manage access and passwords centrally.

Double 3

Double 3 packs dual 13 MP PTZ camera heads, six mics, and an amplified speaker. Extendable height and an API give you developer-level control for custom apps or analytics.

Ohmni Pro

Ohmni Pro prioritizes safe movement with advanced collision avoidance and automatic speed adjustment. A responsive neck tilt keeps eye-level interaction while the quad-mic array and 15W speaker keep audio clear.

VGo

VGo leverages VGoNet to simplify cloud-based deployments for healthcare and education. It’s built for multi-site access so clinicians and families can connect to patients reliably.

• Test control responsiveness on your hardest route.
• Compare audio and video in noisy spaces, not just specs.
• Ask for docking demos to confirm charge/ready indicators and uptime.

Environment Planning: Floors, Doors, Lighting, and Noise

A short site survey often reveals the real constraints that determine daily usability. Walk your routes and note floor transitions, thresholds, carpets, and cords that could snag wheels or confuse obstacle sensors.

Measure door frames and elevator gaps so the unit can pass without help. Plan for hands‑free openers or an escort in tight spots.

Test lighting at different times of day. Glare and low light reduce video quality; adjust the camera PTZ presets or add ambient lighting where needed.

• Check ambient noise and echo; noisy lobbies may need alternate paths or quiet meeting spots.
• Identify reliable docking locations with power and low foot traffic to keep devices charged safely.
• Map visibility hotspots (whiteboards, line-side stations) so the view fits the task.

Repeat this checklist at each site. Small differences in layouts and locations can cause big usability changes.

Coordinate with facilities to keep pathways clear and mark safe passing zones so your team and the unit move smoothly. Document constraints for vendors; they can suggest tires, speed settings, or PTZ presets that match your spaces and make the telepresence robot work well for daily use.

Integration and IT Fit: Video Platforms, SSO, and Device Management

Your collaboration tools and device management must work together to keep sessions reliable and compliant. Plan integrations early so admins and users get consistent access and smooth media paths.

Working alongside Teams, Zoom, and enterprise tools

Verify how the unit joins your preferred platforms. Confirm whether calls launch from the device, the app, or both so you can choose the best user flow.

Check SSO and MFA options to reduce password fatigue and align identity with your tenant policies.

APIs and fleet management for scale

Ask vendors about APIs and webhooks for auto‑scheduling, logging, and service desk integrations. Double 3 offers an API for custom apps, and some vendors include HTTPS management in the embedded security model.

• Ensure device management supports remote updates, health checks, and role‑based admin access.
• Review media paths, firewall needs, and QoS with IT before onboarding.
• For healthcare, confirm network segmentation and privacy patterns match compliance rules.

Plan support runbooks that define provisioning, license assignment, and escalations. Pilot integrations with a small group, collect admin feedback, and use analytics (usage, failures, quality) to guide wider rollout.

Deployment Playbook: From Pilot to Scale

Start small: validate routes, train staff, and lock down support before scaling. A focused pilot proves the tech works in your real spaces and builds trust with users.

Site survey, safety, and navigation maps

Send facilities and IT on a short site survey to document routes, docking spots, and traffic hazards. Mark high‑traffic intersections and threshold measurements so the unit passes safely.

Create navigation maps and PTZ presets for common stops like nurse stations, lab benches, or huddle rooms to speed daily use.

User training and change management

Deliver brief, hands‑on training that covers driving basics, etiquette, and simple recovery steps. Emphasize privacy and how the device will be used so staff feel comfortable.

Use clear communications to explain benefits and expectations as part of your change plan.

Support workflows and SLAs

Define how to request access, who handles break/fix, and the vendor escalation path. Agree SLAs that set uptime and response targets so everyone knows what to expect.

• Measure success: adoption, session counts, travel avoided, and satisfaction.
• Phase scale: one floor or department first, then expand.
• Keep feedback: user insights refine control setup, signage, and training.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying telepresence robots

Don’t let a slick demo mask the small, real‑world problems that kill adoption. A demo in a quiet conference room rarely shows roaming drops, door thresholds, or glare that your staff will face every day.

Focus on practical tests. Run network drives on your floors, record audio in busy corridors, and validate video quality where people actually meet. That reveals true product performance versus marketing copy.

• Test connectivity: conference demos won’t expose roaming dead zones.
• Check AV in place: audio and video quality matter most in noisy or dim spaces.
• Plan TCO: budget for subscriptions, spares, and maintenance from day one.
• Engage IT and compliance: confirm security controls and healthcare privacy early.
• Verify support: confirm repair logistics, turnaround times, and training for users.

Match the device to your primary use. Mobility is powerful, but a stationary product can be a better fit for single‑room tasks. Avoid feature creep: pick the simplest solution that delivers consistent quality and adoption.

Insist on a pilot with clear success metrics before you scale. Track uptime, session counts, and user satisfaction so your purchase stays a tool, not a sunk cost.

Conclusion

When you align needs, environment, and budget, you turn remote connections into consistent, useful presence. Telepresence robots deliver clear wins across business, healthcare, and education by cutting travel, improving access, and speeding decisions.

Start with a focused on‑network pilot that validates the user experience. Test routes, audio/video, and docking during real days. Count sessions and time saved so you can formalize TCO and ROI with real data.

Train staff and set simple support SLAs so adoption stays high. A single telepresence robot in the right workflow can scale into a fleet that keeps teams connected, patients safer, and students included — all with predictable cost and strong vendor support.