Development of a user needs-based telepresence robot for consultation

BACKGROUND: An assessment of needs to develop a system that provides consultations using a telepresence robot and education for health professionals was conducted. The absence of a structured methodology for user-needs analysis has been identified as a problem. OBJECTIVE: To use a telepresence robot for medical consultation in future usability testing, the robot has been developed by analyzing end-user needs in a multifaceted manner. METHODS: In designing the telepresence robot for consultation, required functions and forms were defined based on the results of a user-needs survey. The robot was implemented based on specifications of needs. The prototype robot was developed and after repeated internal tests, the final version was completed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study holds significance as it systemized user needs, applied them to a new medical technology's components and functions, and provided a technology development process that could improve usability.