Telerobotics is the remote operation of robots that can be controlled from a distance. It allows operations of robots in hazardous areas, inaccessible environments, or in places where it is not conducive for human life. Think of the Mars Rover!
Applications areas can include healthcare, maintenance, construction, mining, exploration, search, rescue and recovery operations.
Healthcare is an emerging market for telerobotics with the use of telesurgery. This is where surgeons can remotely undertake operations and surgical procedures on people, using a remotely controlled robot, where the person requiring the operation cannot get access to the hospital and/or the surgeon.
Within the mining industry, operations can be very dangerous, especially where there is a risk of collapse. Due to rising costs in open pits, the mining industry needs to do more vertical wall mining and so remote control mining robots and remotely driven trucks including bulldozers, trucks, shovels and water trucks can be utilized for safety and controlled remotely. Telemining has evolved.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Drones, that is drones that are remotely controlled, are beginning to gain traction in search and rescue operations. A whole industry around disaster response robots is beginning to emerge. These are robots that can fly, swim, crawl through rubble, douse fires, helping emergency services and first responders gain access in highly risky areas and provide invaluable assistance.
