The master-slave robotics system was invented at Argonne National Laboratory in 1948 to protect an operator from the harmful effects of radiation. Worker safety has been the highest priority at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as it continues its cleanup mission. Safety is achieved by separating the human from the nuclear source and shielding that source to a manageable level. Robotics with remote control is a natural solution for many of DOE’s cleanup tasks. Unlike conventional robotics, a remote-handling system always involves a human being within the control process. The main handling device is a manipulator because the majority of remote-handling tasks need the intuition and intelligence of a human operator. In this paper, we take a historical perspective to the technology when exploring robotic systems from the past, on what we are currently doing, and what technologies would enable new capabilities for the future. We look at past successes and failures, and we glean lessons learned that can be applied to current and upcoming robotic activities within DOE. We also take a look at some new and emerging technologies that when matured could have a positive impact on where robotics within DOE will be needed.