New Teleoperation & EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230: What Manufacturers Need to Know

The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 is set to reshape the landscape for autonomous machinery across Europe, impacting industries such as automotive, drones, defence, industrial robotics, and heavy machinery such as those used in construction. With mandatory compliance from January 2027, manufacturers must ensure their autonomous systems can be monitored, controlled, and stopped remotely, a requirement that many manufacturing companies and system integrators are still unaware of.

For these companies developing autonomous off-highway vehicles, industrial robots, and unmanned systems, this regulation introduces a critical need for teleoperation and real-time monitoring. Soliton Systems’ Zao SDK for OEM provides a secure, ultra-low latency solution that enables manufacturers to achieve compliance standards while enhancing operational safety.

 Why Teleoperation Is Now Essential for Autonomous Machinery

The regulation defines autonomous machinery as systems that can make decisions and execute tasks independently in unstructured environments. However, it also mandates that such machinery must be remotely controllable and always monitored to prevent risks from unintended movements or failures.

This means that OEMs must integrate teleoperation capabilities into their autonomous systems, whether for construction equipment, agricultural machinery, or defence applications. Without a real-time monitoring and control solution, manufacturers risk non-compliance and potential operational hazards.

 How Soliton’s Zao SDK Helps OEMs Achieve Compliance

Soliton Systems has developed the Zao SDK, a software-based teleoperation solution that enables secure, ultra-low latency video streaming and remote control over wireless networks. Here’s how it aligns with the new EU regulation: -

• Real-Time Monitoring & Control – Zao SDK allows operators to remotely monitor and control autonomous machinery, ensuring compliance with Annex I, Section 1.1.8 of the regulation.
• Ultra-Low Latency Streaming – With latencies starting at just 35ms, Zao SDK ensures instant feedback, crucial for remote intervention in high-risk environments.
• Secure & Resilient Connectivity – Powered by RASCOW2, Zao SDK supports up to 8 simultaneous wireless connections, ensuring stable and encrypted data transmission over 4G, 5G, and satellite networks.
• Seamless OEM Integration – Designed for NVIDIA Jetson platforms, the Zao SDK can be customized for various autonomous applications, from industrial robots to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones.

 Beyond Compliance: The Business Case for Teleoperation

While the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 makes teleoperation a legal necessity, it also presents a strategic opportunity for manufacturers and system integrators.

• Enhanced Safety – Remote monitoring reduces risks associated with autonomous failures, ensuring safer operations in construction, mining, and defence sectors.
• Operational Flexibility – Teleoperation enables cross-border remote control, allowing operators to manage machinery from different locations without physical presence.
• Competitive Advantage – Early adoption of teleoperation-ready autonomous systems positions OEMs as industry leaders, ahead of the 2027 compliance deadline.

 Preparing for the Future

With mandatory compliance approaching, R&D teams, manufacturers, SIs, and developers must act now to integrate teleoperation and real-time monitoring into their autonomous machinery. Soliton Systems’ Zao SDK for OEM provides a proven, secure, and ultra-low latency solution that ensures compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

For manufacturers looking to future-proof their autonomous systems, Zao SDK is the key to meeting EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 while unlocking new possibilities in remote operations.

Would you like to explore how Zao SDK can be tailored to your specific application? Contact us today to learn more.