UK aims to bring telexistence closer to reality
DASA competition explores potential of technologies for standoff operations.
The UK MoD has unveiled an £800,000 ($1.1 million) funding injection via the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) for research into future military applications for telexistence technologies.
Nine organisations from industry and academia — such as L3Harris Technologies, TNO and Sheffield Hallam University — will work on 11 projects to accelerate development of capabilities that will physically remove military personnel and emergency workers from dangerous operating environments.
The human will remain in the loop with the ability to perform complex tasks and operate equipment from a safe distance.
Projects in Phase 1 are due to be completed by 31 May 2021 and will be demonstrated afterwards at an event in the UK.
Rob Baldock, programme manager for emerging technology at the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), said: ‘This is the culmination of several years of developing the concept of telexistence inside Dstl from the idea of combining different areas of emerging science into the concept of projecting human presence into a remote environment and immersive feedback for the operator.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
