NTT DOCOMO have conducted a demonstration of high-precision remote robot operation over commercial 5G. By combining Configured Grant, a low-latency network slicing technology, with Keio’s Real Haptics technology, force feedback and tactile sensations were transmitted stably. The demonstration marks the first instance of Configured Grant being used to enable practical robot teleoperation over commercial 5G.
In the experiment, Configured Grant was applied to the radio link between the terminal and base station to minimise latency and jitter. Results confirmed that latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots were met, while force reproducibility and operability were improved.
To convey force feedback when a remote robot interacts with objects controlled by an operator at a distant location, mobile data communication must maintain low latency and minimal jitter. High or fluctuating latency can disrupt synchronisation between the operator and remote robot, compromising force reproduction and hindering delicate robot operation.
DOCOMO and Keio University have previously collaborated on the development and testing of Real Haptics for robot teleoperation over mobile networks. By reducing the impact of latency in the wireless segment, remote robot control can be performed stably even under network congestion.
The two organisations stated that they will continue developing and testing technologies to accelerate the practical use of robot teleoperation.
