Remote robotic surgery & Industrial Automation Take a Leap Forward with Open RAN Technology
Glasgow, UK – Researchers at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering have achieved a important breakthrough in remote robotic control, demonstrating the viability of using commercially available 4G LTE technology and the Open Radio access Network (O-RAN) framework to enable precise, low-latency operation of robotic arms – with potential applications ranging from remote surgery to advanced industrial automation. This innovation promises to dramatically reduce the cost and power consumption associated with existing remote control systems, paving the way for wider adoption and new possibilities in critical fields.
The Challenge of Remote Control: Latency & Power Consumption
Traditionally, controlling robotic systems remotely, particularly those requiring delicate precision like surgical robots, has been hampered by two key challenges: latency (the delay in signal transmission) and power consumption. Existing solutions often rely on Software-Defined Radios (sdrs), which, while capable, are notoriously energy-intensive, requiring up to 45 watts of power for comparable performance.This limits portability and scalability, hindering real-world deployment. Furthermore, even minor latency can render complex tasks unfeasible, demanding near-real-time responsiveness.
A Novel Solution: Leveraging 4G LTE & Open RAN
The University of Glasgow team tackled these challenges head-on by repurposing readily available 4G LTE mobile network technology and building their system around the O-RAN framework.O-RAN utilizes open-source software to control mobile network hardware, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional, proprietary systems.
“The O-RAN framework holds a great deal of potential for enabling intelligent, data-driven, programmable and virtualised networks,” explains Saber Hassouna of the James Watt School of Engineering. “However, demonstrating that potential in real-world applications, beyond theoretical modelling, requires practical experimentation.”
The team ingeniously adapted a standard USB network dongle – commonly used for mobile internet access – to establish a stable connection between a haptic controller, a robotic arm, and a computer acting as an intelligent base station. this innovative approach, coupled with specialized xApps software for signal optimization, resulted in a system that consumes a mere 4.5 watts – a remarkable 90% reduction compared to traditional SDR-based systems.
Demonstrating Precision: Dental Simulation with Sub-Second Latency
Rigorous lab testing confirmed the system’s capabilities. Researchers achieved a bandwidth of 10Mbps, enabling them to control the robotic arm with less than one second of latency and minimal signal loss.To illustrate the precision achievable, they successfully simulated a dental exam on dentures, a task demanding smooth, accurate movements.
“For applications like dental procedures, the robotic arm must move very smoothly, which requires high data throughput and low latency, both of which we’ve been able to achieve for the first time with O-RAN,” Hassouna adds.
Beyond the Lab: Expanding the Reach of Remote Robotics
Qammer Abbasi, head of the University of Glasgow’s communications, sensing and imaging hub, emphasizes the broader implications of this research. “This is a very encouraging demonstration of the potential of O-RAN to enable fine-grained, close-to-real-time control of a robotic arm. We’re currently working on developing the system further to ensure it can deliver the same level of performance at greater distances.”
The team is now focused on extending the system’s range and reliability,aiming to overcome limitations imposed by line-of-sight requirements. Success in this area will unlock a wide range of applications,including:
* Remote Surgery: Enabling expert surgeons to perform procedures on patients in remote locations,overcoming geographical barriers to specialized care.
* Hazardous Environment Operations: Deploying robots to inspect and repair infrastructure in dangerous environments, such as nuclear facilities or disaster zones.
* Precision Manufacturing & Automation: Improving the efficiency and accuracy of industrial processes through remote robotic control.
* Telemedicine & Rehabilitation: Providing remote physical therapy and rehabilitation services, expanding access to care for patients in need.
A Legacy of Engineering excellence
The James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow boasts a rich history of innovation, being the first institution in the UK to award engineering degrees and establish a dedicated chair of engineering in 1840. The school’s interdisciplinary research environment, encompassing biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, and physics, fosters groundbreaking advancements across a diverse range of engineering disciplines. The University consistently strives for ”revelation, creation and practise that is internationally leading in education, innovation and new capability.”
Funding & Future Directions
This groundbreaking research was supported by funding from the Communications
Keep reading