NTT Docomo uses 5G for robot remote control

NTT Docomo and Keio University’s Haptics Research Centre say they have run what they claim is the first stable, high-fidelity robot teleoperation over a commercial 5G network. The trial used Docomo’s low-latency 5G network slicing technology, called Configured Grant, together with Keio’s haptics system so that force feedback and tactile sensations could be sent reliably to an operator.

According to Docomo, cutting latency in the wireless link allowed precise and delicate robot control to remain stable even when the network was congested. The partners, who have worked together on mobile robot control before, aim to move this type of teleoperation toward real-world use. They will show the system on NTT Group’s stand at MWC26 Barcelona, where 5G network slicing and robotics are set to be key themes.