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Remote operations

What is 'Remote Operations'?

Remote Operations is the ability to manage, monitor, and control activities where an operator is separated (in most cases) from the activity site. It provides situational awareness at a central location for better data-driven decisions.

Remote Operations ranges from direct line‑of‑sight tele-operation, through to over‑the‑horizon operation of multiple assets across a widespread environment. It can be fully or partly autonomous, requiring little or no human interaction.

Remote Operations is well suited to harsh, complex, or high-risk environments to increase safety, productivity, and sustainability.

On earth

Across all sectors, businesses and organisations need to stay relevant and competitive in a world that has become increasingly connected, globally conscious and faster-paced.

Agricultural: Increasing global population, rising competition and changing markets, and greater seasonal variability from climate change require new ways to manage resources and enable predictions that drive efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, with a workforce that is mainly regional or remote.

Defence: Geopolitical volatility and border protection are major drivers for investment to continuously acquire and sustain capability into technologies and operations that improve defence and national security operations.

Resources: Global demand for resources continues with increasing resource scarcity and environmental concerns. As organisations meet evolving obligations, there is a need to operate with more awareness and consider new innovative strategies and technologies to improve efficiency and worker safety.

Healthcare: An ageing population is increasing the burden on the hospital and healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted weaknesses in the health system and crippled services in many countries. The need to provide medical assistance from a distance has never been greater as the healthcare industry looks to increase access to care.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a diverse sector and has declined in Australia. Globalisation has impacted consumer trends, and the pandemic has disrupted supply chains with the closing of borders and changing market demand. New, more efficient manufacturing methods could promise the opportunity for this sector.

In Space

The Australian Space industry is innovating rapidly, motivated by unprecedented opportunities from a growing global ecosystem. Remote Operations form a critical component of all Space activity and missions.

There are similarities between the challenges facing Space technologies and those experienced by many sectors on earth. There are now space-based innovations and advancements being leveraged to address these challenges. For example, space technologies being developed in Australia are focusing on:

  • Miniaturisation – smaller size, lower weight and less power demand.
  • More efficient power production and storage – green energy, improved battery technology, and more efficient onboard power generation.
  • Reliable and resilient communications – secure channels, real-time data, adequate bandwidth, and ubiquitous connectivity.
  • Edge computing and better data analytics – including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Higher levels of automation and robotics – trusted autonomy in communication denied environments and where data lag is prevalent.
  • Fit for purpose – environmental requirements and qualifications, limited maintenance, and longevity.

Similarly, Space research and development is leveraging the commercial opportunities that earth-based applications offer.

For example:

  • Foundational services for space leverage the lessons learned in the mining sector, such as managing mixed multiple assets and concurrent operations in complex environments.
  • Astronaut health monitoring and medical services leverage Australian remote medical capabilities at the Australian Antarctic Division and state-of-the-art centres such as HIVE at the Royal Perth Hospital and the future Space Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Control Complex (SpAARC), a partnership between the Australian Space Agency and Fugro.

 

Space technology innovations are also a key driver for accelerating the adoption and implementation of full-scale Remote Operations in Australia. Space and smart satellite technology is a game changer for terrestrial Remote Operations.