This half-day workshop will explore the next generation of robotic telepresence, advancing from remote communication to embodied presence. We will examine how physical robotic avatars, enriched with AI and multimodal interfaces, can transform interaction in healthcare, education, disaster response, and collaborative work. The workshop will highlight recent advances in telerobotics, haptic feedback, and shared autonomy, while also addressing ethical and societal implications of extended presence. By convening leading experts and emerging researchers, we aim to establish a common language for embodied telepresence that bridges robotics, AI, and human–robot interaction. The program combines keynote talks, lightning presentations, and a live demonstration session where participants can directly engage with cutting-edge telepresence systems. A closing panel will invite open dialogue on future challenges and opportunities. By blending theory, practice, and hands-on experience, this workshop will foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and inspire new research directions aligned with ICRA’s mission of advancing robotics for society.
Telerobotics is entering a pivotal stage where advances in AI, haptics, and human–robot interaction make it possible to move beyond remote communication toward embodied presence. While video conferencing has become routine, it remains limited in capturing social cues, physical context, and shared action. Embodied telepresence — where robotic systems serve as physical avatars for human operators — offers a pathway to richer, more effective remote collaboration. This paradigm is gaining urgency as global challenges demand reliable solutions for remote surgery, disaster response, education, industrial collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange.
To ensure scientific quality and breadth, the workshop will feature invited talks from leaders in telerobotics, haptic feedback, shared autonomy, and human factors, alongside lightning talks from contributed non-archival abstracts. This open format lowers barriers for early-stage ideas and novel visions, encouraging participation from diverse and emerging voices.
By creating a space for both theoretical insight and live demonstrations, the workshop will provide a platform to define research frontiers and inspire new collaborations. In alignment with ICRA 2026’s mission of advancing Robotics for Society, our goal is to highlight embodied telepresence as a critical enabler of equitable, inclusive, and impactful robotic technologies for global benefit.
• 09:00 - 09:15: Welcome and Introduction
• 09:15 - 09:45: Telepresence Speed-Dating Activity
• 09:45 - 10:15: TBD
• 10:15 - 10:30: Coffee Break & Networking
• 10:30 - 11:00: Invited Talk 1: Tiago Henrique Falk
• 11:00 - 11:45: Live Telerobotic Demonstrations
• 11:30 - 12:15: Invited Talk 2: Eloise Matheson
• 12:15 - 12:45: Invited Talk 3: Strahinja Dosen
• 12:45 - 13:00: Closing
Paper & demo submission deadline: March 31, 2026
Notification of acceptance: April 20, 2026
Workshop date: June 1st, 2026