Teleguidance is a term used to describe remote guidance or instruction, often provided via electronic communication channels like video calls or messaging. The word is spelled with a combination of Latin and Greek roots, with the "tele-" prefix meaning "distant" and "-guidance" being derived from the Latin word "gubernare," meaning "to steer." The IPA transcription for teleguidance is /ˌtelɪˈɡaɪdəns/, with the stress on the second syllable. This word has become increasingly important in recent times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of remote working and teleconferencing.
Teleguidance refers to a system or process of remotely controlling or guiding the operation of a vehicle, device, or system using telecommunications technology. It involves transmitting and receiving data and instructions between a remote location and the target object to enable guidance, operation, or manipulation from a distance.
In teleguidance systems, a central operator or controller typically communicates with the target object or vehicle through various means, such as radio waves, telephone lines, or other forms of wireless or wired connections. The operator sends commands, navigational instructions, or control signals to the object, while receiving feedback or status updates in return.
Teleguidance is commonly applied in various fields, including aerospace, military operations, robotics, and space exploration. It allows humans to safely control and guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotic arms, deep-sea exploration vehicles, and satellite systems from a remote location.
The main objective of teleguidance is to enable precise and accurate control of a target object or vehicle, even at considerable distances. It eliminates the need for direct physical presence, enabling tasks to be performed in hazardous, remote, or inaccessible environments. Teleguidance systems often incorporate sensors, cameras, and other instruments to facilitate real-time monitoring and provide situational awareness to operators.
Overall, teleguidance plays a crucial role in enabling remote control and manipulation of objects, providing safer and more efficient operations in situations where direct human intervention may not be feasible or advisable.
The word "teleguidance" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "tele" which means "remote" or "far off", and "guidance" which refers to the act of directing or leading someone or something. "Tele" comes from the Greek word "tēle" meaning "far, afar, at or to a distance", and "guidance" is derived from the Greek word "hodōgein", which means "to lead" or "to guide". When these two elements are combined, "teleguidance" is formed, referring to the remote or distant guiding or directing of something.