Robot telepresence as a practical tool for responsible and open research in trustworthy autonomous systems
This academic article examines the application of robot telepresence as a practical tool to improve transparency, public engagement, and trust in research laboratories working on Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS). It argues that traditional 'cloistered' research practices contribute to public distrust and skepticism, and proposes an 'Open Laboratories' approach combining open science, responsible research and innovation (RRI), and telepresence technologies. The authors also discuss the ethical and privacy implications of introducing telepresence into research environments for both visitors and staff.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, science communicators, and technology developers seeking practical strategies to increase transparency and public trust in autonomous systems research.
What the document contains
The article covers the rationale for making research practices more open and transparent, the limitations of current RRI and Open Science approaches regarding laboratory visibility, historical precedents from animal testing controversies, and the technical and ethical considerations of using robot telepresence for virtual laboratory visits.
The text does not provide binding regulatory rules, legal compliance frameworks, or formal enforcement mechanisms for autonomous systems development.
- Public distrust in new technologies and autonomous systems is exacerbated by the lack of visibility and transparency within research laboratories.
- While Open Science and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) have improved access to data and high-level research goals, they largely leave research practices themselves hidden from public view.
- Robot telepresence offers a scalable, safe, and interactive method to provide direct access and first-person experiences of laboratory research.
- Implementing telepresence in labs can improve inclusion, reduce environmental impacts of travel, and help build experience-based trust in science.
- Proactive governance of ethical and privacy issues—such as protecting visitor and staff data and managing potential workplace anxiety—is essential for successful open laboratory initiatives.
1. Introduction 2. Towards responsible and open research 3. Towards open laboratories 4. Improving access to research through robot telepresence 5. Ethical and privacy issues 6. Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Fairness
1/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Visitors are also less vulnerable to prejudice as physical signs of ability, gender and ethnic origin are not apparent in the robot body in which the participant is immersed.
4. Improving access to research through robot telepresence
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
Privacy is a key consideration for the visitor, whose voice, gestures, and perhaps other forms of data, must be transmitted to the telepresence platform
5. Ethical and privacy issues
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
This article has advocated for a change in research culture whereby research practices are made more open and accessible to the wider public.
6. Conclusion
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Privacy is a key consideration for the visitor, whose voice, gestures, and perhaps other forms of data, must be transmitted to the telepresence platform
5. Ethical and privacy issues
screening score · 2026-10-23