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Erika Thiel is a pioneering figure in the early development of telepresence technology for space exploration. Her key research areas include automation, robotics, and machine intelligence systems, with a specific focus on applying telepresence to NASA’s space missions. Thiel’s major contribution lies in defining the field of telepresence and providing comprehensive overviews of both existing capabilities and those needed to support a NASA telepresence effort. Her work, particularly in the "Space Applications of Automation, Robotics and Machine Intelligence Systems (ARAMIS)" reports from 1983, established a foundational framework for how remote presence could enhance space operations. Her most cited paper, "Space Applications of Automation, Robotics and Machine Intelligence Systems (ARAMIS), phase 2. Volume 2: Telepresence project applications," has garnered 26 citations, reflecting its lasting influence. By investigating NASA’s plans and goals and conducting extensive literature searches, Thiel helped shape the trajectory of telepresence research, laying the groundwork for future innovations in remote robotic control and human-machine interaction in space.