Tactile Internet and the Remote Surgeon

Abstract

The delivery of healthcare in remote rural areas is a global phenomenon. Using digital governance, a discretized cluster of node relaying time-sensitive, and reliable data, life-critical health services can be ensured. Here tactile internet-based internet of things (IoT) and its variant internet of medical things (IoMT), as well as tactile internet, is introduced. Its relationship with 5G is explored. A model for e-health implementation using unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) in the backhaul is presented. The link is analyzed over fiber optics, satellite, and 5G network in terms of latency and reliability: the crucial metrics for robotic surgery. It is also shown that 5G implemented in Italy, Zimbabwe, and Cooks Island have supported mobile hospitals in rural regions. Hence, induction of 5G networks is a feasible approach. Finally, a critical review of expected future technologies including telematics is presented. Hence, tactile internet-based robotic surgery can reduce the digital divide.