Final answer:
Sound localization is the ability to determine the direction from which sound is coming, using the interaural time differences and intensity differences that are processed by the auditory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of humans and surgical robots to determine the direction from which sound is coming is called sound localization. Sound localization allows individuals to discern the location of a sound source within their environment. It relies on the auditory system's central processing in the auditory nuclei of the brain stem to calculate the interaural time difference and the interaural intensity difference. These differences arise because a sound will arrive at the ears at different times, and with different intensities, depending on its location relative to the listener.
When a sound is slightly to one side of the listener, it will arrive at the nearer ear microseconds before the other ear, and will also be perceived as louder in that ear. These subtle differences are detected and then compared by neurons, which helps determine the direction of the sound. This complex process allows us not only to understand simple audio information like pitch and loudness but also to enjoy musical qualities and nuances of voiced emotions.