bidirectional interaction between humans and computers

A necessary but not enough attribute of virtual reality is causal-chain communication between someone and their computer. Communication from a person to a computer may have computer tracking of finger, hand, head, eye and/or body motion and/or speech recognition. Information transfer from a computer to a person may have three-dimensional image renderings, audio production, and kinesthetic (touch and motion) simulation. 5DT covers related topics in detail.

"Teleoperation" and "Telerobotics" are closely associated terms for distance direction and interaction via the operation of some type of robotic machine. Teleoperation frequently involves sense of sight and touch from the remote robot/machine to the user and, in the other direction, locomotor control and manipulation from the user to the distant robotic mechanism. Teleoperation is particularly useful for activities in hazardous environments such as other planets or deep water. Also, it is helpful for increasing geographic access to advanced talent absent commuting. Linked page Virtual Tours Richfield, Minnesota also has developments on this virtual reality topic.

See Link Virtual as well for more regarding virtual reality.