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