Introduction: The Industrial Challenge

Industrial sites—mines, nuclear plants, chemical factories—are inherently dangerous environments where even the most skilled workers face high risks. From toxic gases to heavy machinery, these zones demand constant safety innovations. One of the most promising advancements is remotely controlled robots for industrial safety, powered by cutting-edge haptic technology—tools that replicate the sense of touch in remote operations.

Now, researchers at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science & Technology) in South Korea have developed a novel haptic device that is changing how we interact with machines in these hazardous settings.

This blog takes you beyond the newsletter with in-depth insights into how this tech works, why it matters, and how it could reshape the future of industrial operations.

What Is Haptic Technology?

#HapticTechnology involves tactile feedback systems that simulate touch. Think of how your phone vibrates to alert you—a basic form of haptics. In industrial robotics, it’s much more complex. Operators need to “feel” how heavy a component is, or whether a surface is soft or rigid—all from a distance.

🔍 How Remotely Controlled Robots for Industrial Safety Work

POSTECH’s innovation is a wearable haptic device equipped with:

• Force feedback systems

• Visual feedback through VR interfaces

• Pressure-sensitive tactile sensors

• Digital twin integration

The device lets workers remotely control robots in complex environments while receiving physical sensations as if they were on-site.

Knowledge is Power — and when shared, it builds safer industries. #KnowledgeIsPower

💡 How It Works

1. Multi-Directional Force Feedback

Operators can feel resistance when lifting or pushing objects using robotic arms. This real-time force feedback improves precision and prevents errors.

2. Visual & Audio Feedback Integration

The system merges tactile sensations with visual and auditory feedback, creating a multi-sensory control experience. Users are not just pushing buttons—they’re immersed in a virtual workspace that mirrors the real environment.

3. Digital Twin Support

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world process. By connecting the haptic device to a digital twin, workers can simulate tasks and understand risks before taking real-world action.

Graph: Efficiency vs Safety in Haptic-Controlled Robots vs Traditional Remote Operations]