Dstl presents telexistence technologies to reduce personnel risk
The Haptic Bimanual Telexistence System allows an operator to open an unattended bag delicately and remotely. (Photo: Dstl)
A DASA event showed the potential and advantages of telexistence technologies in hazardous environments.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in the UK has demonstrated innovative telexistence concepts that could give military personnel, emergency services, or humanitarian workers the capability to undertake dangerous tasks in hazardous environments without physically being present.
During a recent event organised by the UK MoD Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), an array of different telexistence technologies were displayed by industry suppliers to potential military and government users.
Dstl explained in a 1 November announcement that telexistence combines three separate technologies to allow the ability to sense, touch, feel, and interact with objects.
This is achieved using a remotely operated system and relies on the integration of telepresence to see and hear, robotics or wearable assistive technologies for interaction, and haptic feedback or sensors to touch and feel.
Dstl foresees a variety of applications for telexistence technologies in hazardous missions such as explosive ordnance disposal, to reduce the risk to personnel.
The MoD agency added that telexistence has also the potential to reduce logistical burden and allow specialists to support several operations as and when needed, rather than being deployed to a specific operation in case their skills are required.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US Africa Command targets logistic solutions]()
US Africa Command targets logistic solutions
AFRICOM is seeking IT systems and supply chain management solutions to enhance interoperability and standardise logistical processes in its area of responsibility.
-
![Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending]()
Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending
Germany’s Rheinmetall released its 1H 2025 results on 7 August, continuing the strong growth of recent years. A particular highlight of the result’s presentation was the Skyranger air defence system for which the company is predicting sales of about US$8.2 billion from the German Government before the end of the year.
-
![Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave]()
Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave
Vehicle and technology companies are reporting substantial growth compared to the first half of 2024. Italy’s Fincantieri saw revenues jump 24% for the first half of the year compared to 2024 and Thales up 6.8% for the same period. General Dynamics reported second quarter revenue growth of 8.9% for the second quarter compared to last year and MilDef reported organic order intake growth of 58%.
-
![Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform]()
Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform
Singapore spends about 3.5% of GDP on defence and the section’s budget sits on high on the proportion of national spending. The country is investing in uncrewed technology, medium- and long-range fires and new submarines and ships with the hunt also on for new maritime patrol aircraft.
-
![World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026]()
World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026
At this year's IDEF in Istanbul, Shephard spoke to World Defense Show (WDS) CEO Andrew Pearcey about his event's strategic role in Saudi Arabia, its themes and new features for 2026 and how it has grown since its launch in 2022.
