Bridging Borders, Rebuilding Futures: The Power of Zao SDK in Remote Construction

In an era where connectivity defines capability, the construction and mining industries are on the brink of a technological revolution. At Soliton Systems, we are not just observing this shift; we are driving it. With our Zao SDK, we are enabling a new reality where heavy machinery, from cranes and road rollers to diggers, to soil compactors, and mining equipment, can be operated from anywhere in the world.

What is Teleoperation?

Before diving into the technology, it is essential to define what we mean by teleoperation. Simply put, teleoperation is the technical ability to operate a machine or system from a distance. Unlike simple remote control (like a remote-controlled car within line-of-sight), teleoperation implies commanding complex machinery from a remote location, potentially thousands of miles away, utilizing video feeds and sensory data to guide operations as if the operator were sitting in the cab.

The Strategic Advantage: Why Remote?

Implementing teleoperation via the Zao SDK offers transformative benefits that solve real-world logistical and economic challenges:

• Global Workforce Accessibility: One of the most critical issues in construction today is the shortage of local skilled labour. Teleoperation allows you to tap into a workforce located in a different city or even a different country. An operator in Japan can control a crane in Europe, bridging the gap between labour supply and demand.
• Safety in Hazardous Environments: Whether it’s deep mining operations or precarious construction zones, teleoperation removes the human from the immediate danger zone, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
• Cost Efficiency: By centralizing operators, companies can reduce travel costs and downtime. A single operator can switch between controlling a road roller on Site A and a digger on Site B in minutes, without ever leaving their control station.

Rebuilding Hope: A Lesson from Ukraine

The potential of this technology is not just theoretical; it is humanitarian. Recently, our Soliton Systems colleagues visited Ukraine to assess rebuilding projects. The devastation left by conflict has created a massive need for reconstruction, yet the environment remains hazardous, and the local workforce is stretched thin.

This is a prime use case for Zao SDK. By utilizing our remote operation technology, skilled operators from safe locations, or even neighbouring countries, can contribute to the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure in Ukraine without being exposed to physical risk. It is a powerful example of how "Tech for Good" can accelerate recovery in post-conflict zones.

Zao SDK: The Engine Behind Ultra-Low Latency

For teleoperation to be safe and effective, speed is everything. A delay of even half a second can be disastrous when operating a heavy excavator.

The Zao SDK is engineered specifically for this challenge. It provides ultra-low latency video streaming over public cellular networks (4G/5G/LTE) with unmatched reliability.

• RASCOW2 Protocol: Our proprietary protocol optimizes video capability, ensuring that even if network signal fluctuates, the video stream remains fluid and real-time.
• High Reliability: By bonding multiple network connections, we create a robust "pipe" for data, ensuring that the connection to the machine is never lost during critical operations.

Technical Integration: Flexibility for Developers

We understand that every piece of machinery is different. That is why the Zao SDK is designed with deep flexibility for integration.

Whether you are retrofitting existing machinery or building a custom remote simulator, the SDK provides the necessary pathways for total control:

• CAN (Controller Area Network) & Actuator Control: You can utilize the native control features of modern cranes (often via CAN bus) or install external actuators to physically move levers on older machines.
• Tunnelling Capabilities: The SDK supports both Serial Interface and LAN Tunnelling. This allows control signals to pass securely and instantly alongside the video feed, creating a seamless link between the remote simulator's joystick and the machine's movement.

The Soliton Zao SDK is redefining the boundaries of physical work. By decoupling the operator from the machine, we are making construction safer, more efficient, and truly global.