Specifically RealSense sends too much uncompressed depth data (>1 Gbit/s). A better approach would be to encapsulate perception and ML model inference in the end effector and only send robot commands over existing wired links. Wireless is still not a bad idea, but needs to be used as a last resort.

The data rate is very high for wifi, basically it reduces the frame rate and hence increases the delay in feedback.

Putting the processor at the end of the actuator or sensor arm puts large stresses and vibrations on the electronics, I'd avoid it.

Industrial and armoured USB cabling exist, including 360 degree couplers[1], but obviously it is specialised. Industrial Ethernet is better (e.g. GigE Vision) from an integration pov.

[1] https://www.rotarx.com/en/slip-rings/usb-slip-rings/

These kinds of cameras produce pretty high volumes of data, since it's picture + 3D dot cloud per frame. My guess would be even 1G over wifi wouldn't be enough throughput without some compression engine in place.