Remote control excavator. Pros and Cons.

First thought: SUCKS! The computer-head-bastards stilling our job

Second: Let's do some thinking! Please consider that i do not know the real deal (never been working with remotely controlled excavator). So just a common sense based on known by me technologies.  

Pros:

: Machine still need an operator with excavation experience. Plus, someone will have to do a pre-start check. No job loss there.

: You would be able to scrape asbestos from the distance without any harm to yourself. Safety that is as well as more work can be covered!

: Load/unload the excavator on the truck without jumping in and out. Productivity that is!

: Confined spaces. My personal view is that this technology is a must in this case. Productivity and Safety there!

Cons:

: Operating machine from the distance can be difficult due to limited vision. Productivity loss!

: You will have to rely on the network, which will provide connection between control panel and the machine. P.S. It is year 2010 and so far any wireless network is proved to be slow and unreliable. Live network cable next to an excavator have to be very well secured.

---------------------------------------------------------