Teleoperation

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An IED detonator, a telemanipulator for investigating potentially explosive devices
An IED detonator, a telemanipulator for investigating potentially explosive devices

Teleoperation indicates operation of a machine at a distance. It is similar in meaning to the phrase "remote control" but is usually encountered in research, academic and technical environments. It is most commonly associated with robotics and mobile robots but can be applied to a whole range of circumstances in which a device or machine is operated by a person from a distance.

Teleoperation is a standard term in use both in research and technical communities and is by far the most standard term for referring to operation at a distance. This is opposed to "telepresence" which is a less standard term and might refer to a whole range of existence or interaction that include a remote connotation.

[edit] History

The history of Teleoperation can be traced back to the beginnings of radio communication and Nikola Tesla. Nikola Tesla developed some of the first principles and systems to perform Teleoperation in the late 1800's as outlined in such documents as U.S. patent 613,809 (Method of and Apparatus for Controlling Mechanism of Moving Vessels or Vehicles) link?