As industrial and mining operations increasingly adopt remote-control technologies to improve operator safety, equipment flexibility and productivity, Italian specialist IMET I.R.L. is developing radio remote control systems for applications where reliable machine control is critical.

The company’s technology is designed to allow operators to control machinery remotely, reducing the need to remain in close proximity to equipment during potentially hazardous operations.

The IMET portfolio includes a range of handheld and wearable radio remote controls, with configurations tailored to different machine functions and operating environments. The systems feature multiple controls and emergency-stop functions, enabling operators to manage equipment while maintaining greater freedom of movement around the work area.

The company's technology is particularly suited to mobile and specialised machinery, with applications extending into sectors such as mining, construction, materials handling and emergency response.

The technology can be seen in demanding quarrying and drilling environments, where remote operation can allow personnel to maintain a safer distance from machinery and the immediate working face.

IMET's radio remote controls are also designed for use with specialised emergency and firefighting equipment. The company's solutions are shown operating alongside firefighting vehicles and equipment, highlighting the potential role of remote control in environments where heat, fire, restricted access or other hazards can place operators at risk.

A key feature of radio remote control technology is the ability to separate the operator from the machine while retaining direct control over its functions. This can provide greater flexibility when operating equipment in confined, hazardous or difficult-to-access areas.

IMET's solutions incorporate ergonomic control units designed around the requirements of individual applications, with configurations that can accommodate multiple machine functions. The company's product range includes compact handheld units as well as larger control systems for more complex machinery.

The technology is supported by IMET's engineering and manufacturing capabilities at its Italian facilities, where the company develops and produces radio remote control systems for industrial customers.

For mining and other heavy-industry applications, remote-control technology is becoming increasingly relevant as companies seek to remove people from hazardous areas while maintaining productivity.

Remote operation can also support greater visibility of the working environment by allowing an operator to position themselves away from moving machinery, unstable ground or other operational hazards.

IMET's focus on radio remote control reflects the broader industrial shift towards safer and more flexible machine operation, with wireless technology providing an interface between operators and increasingly specialised equipment.

By combining rugged control hardware with application-specific configurations, IMET aims to provide customers with reliable machine-control solutions for challenging operating environments.

The company's technology demonstrates how remote control can be applied beyond conventional industrial automation, extending to specialised machinery used in quarrying, construction, emergency response and other demanding applications where operator safety and precise machine control are essential.

IMET export area manager Simone Maschio spoke to Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from September 7 to 11, 2026.