The convergence of artificial intelligence and robotics is rapidly accelerating, promising a new era of automation and efficiency across industries. In a significant step forward, NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator, and Keio University’s Haptics Research Centre have demonstrated the world’s first stable robot teleoperation over a commercial 5G network. This breakthrough, announced on February 25, 2026, hinges on a novel application of network technology called Configured Grant, combined with Keio University’s pioneering Real Haptics® technology, paving the way for more precise and intuitive remote control of robots.
The ability to remotely operate robots with a high degree of precision and tactile feedback has long been a goal for researchers, and engineers. Applications range from hazardous environment work – such as disaster response and nuclear decommissioning – to remote surgery and intricate manufacturing processes. However, achieving stable and reliable teleoperation requires overcoming significant challenges, particularly minimizing latency and jitter in the data transmission. Traditional mobile networks often struggle to deliver the consistently low latency needed for delicate robotic tasks, hindering the transmission of subtle force feedback crucial for nuanced control. This latest demonstration addresses these limitations, bringing practical robot teleoperation closer to reality.
Overcoming Latency with Configured Grant and Real Haptics
The core of this advancement lies in the implementation of Configured Grant, a network slicing technology that pre-allocates communication resources to specific devices. Unlike the conventional Dynamic Grant method, where devices request resources from the base station, Configured Grant eliminates the scheduling delay inherent in that request-response process. This pre-allocation ensures a dedicated and consistent connection, minimizing latency and jitter – the variations in delay – which are critical for transmitting delicate force feedback. According to DOCOMO’s press release, the application of Configured Grant to the radio link between the terminal and base station proved successful in meeting the latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots.
Complementing Configured Grant is Keio University’s Real Haptics® technology, an advanced force feedback system that transmits, records, and reproduces the sensation of touch in real time. Invented by Kohei Onishi, Real Haptics allows remote operators to “experience” the resistance, softness, or texture of objects manipulated by a robotic device. This bidirectional transmission of tactile information is essential for performing intricate tasks remotely, as it provides the operator with the sensory input needed to make precise adjustments. The Haptics Research Centre, a leading institution in this field, holds a core set of patents related to Real Haptics and actively collaborates with private companies to explore new applications for the technology. The Keio University Haptics Research Centre aims to make this technology widely available globally.
How Configured Grant Minimizes Delay
To understand the significance of Configured Grant, it’s helpful to examine how mobile devices typically communicate with base stations. Under the Dynamic Grant method, a device must first request communication resources before transmitting data. The base station then allocates resources based on network congestion and the needs of other devices. This process introduces a scheduling delay, which can fluctuate depending on network conditions. For advanced robots requiring precise control, even slight variations in latency can disrupt synchronization between the operator and the robot, compromising the accuracy of force reproduction.
Configured Grant bypasses this issue by pre-allocating exclusive communication resources for a specific period. The device can then transmit data without requesting resources, effectively eliminating the scheduling delay. This results in reduced latency and jitter, creating a more stable and reliable wireless connection. In the recent demonstration, applying Configured Grant to the radio link significantly improved both force reproducibility and operability, allowing for more delicate and precise remote control. The stable transmission of tactile sensations marks a crucial step towards practical applications of this technology.
Implications for Remote Robotics and Beyond
This successful demonstration has significant implications for a wide range of industries. Remote robotics is poised to play an increasingly vital role in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and disaster response. For example, surgeons could potentially perform complex procedures remotely with greater precision and control, expanding access to specialized medical care. In manufacturing, robots could be operated remotely to perform delicate assembly tasks or work in hazardous environments. And in the event of a natural disaster or industrial accident, remotely controlled robots could be deployed to assess damage, search for survivors, and perform critical repairs without putting human lives at risk.
The collaboration between DOCOMO and Keio University builds upon previous joint research efforts focused on developing and testing Real Haptics for robot teleoperation over mobile networks. DOCOMO’s research and development efforts are also looking ahead to 6G technologies, which promise even lower latency and higher bandwidth, further enhancing the capabilities of remote robotics. The company is actively preparing for the future of mobile communications, as evidenced by their preparations for beyond-5G technologies. NTT Docomo is actively prepping for beyond 5G future.
The Role of 5G in Enabling Advanced Robotics
The advancement of 5G technology is a key enabler for the development of advanced robotics. 5G offers significantly lower latency, higher bandwidth, and greater network capacity compared to previous generations of mobile technology. These improvements are essential for supporting the real-time communication and data processing required for precise robot control and tactile feedback. The successful demonstration of Configured Grant over DOCOMO’s commercial 5G network highlights the potential of this technology to unlock new possibilities in remote robotics.
The Haptics Research Centre operates a council that includes participation from private companies, fostering collaboration and accelerating the development of Real Haptics technology. This collaborative approach is crucial for translating research breakthroughs into practical applications. The centre’s focus on making Real Haptics widely available underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the field of tactile technology.
The successful demonstration of stable robot teleoperation over 5G represents a significant milestone in the evolution of robotics and remote control. By combining the innovative network slicing capabilities of Configured Grant with the advanced force feedback technology of Real Haptics, DOCOMO and Keio University have overcome a major hurdle in the pursuit of practical and reliable remote robotic systems. This breakthrough promises to unlock a wide range of applications across various industries, transforming the way we work, live, and interact with the world around us.
Looking ahead, DOCOMO and Keio University plan to continue their collaborative research and development efforts, focusing on further refining and testing these technologies to accelerate the practical implementation of advanced robot teleoperation. The next steps will likely involve exploring new applications for Real Haptics and optimizing the performance of Configured Grant in real-world scenarios. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development as it continues to unfold.
Key Takeaways:
- NTT DOCOMO and Keio University have demonstrated the world’s first stable robot teleoperation over a commercial 5G network.
- The breakthrough utilizes Configured Grant, a network slicing technology, and Keio University’s Real Haptics® force feedback system.
- This technology minimizes latency and jitter, enabling precise and intuitive remote control of robots.
- Potential applications include hazardous environment work, remote surgery, and intricate manufacturing processes.
- Continued research and development will focus on expanding the applications and optimizing the performance of these technologies.
The future of robotics is increasingly interconnected and reliant on robust communication networks. This demonstration provides a compelling glimpse into that future, showcasing the transformative potential of 5G and advanced haptics technology. Share your thoughts on the implications of this breakthrough in the comments below.