The best replacement for remote control is radio control.

The best alternatives to remote control are rated as following:
★★★★★  radio control
★★  remote assistance
★  remote access
★  channel changer
★  jabbawockeez
★  webdriver
★  clicker
★  hampton bay ceiling fan
★  drone
  remote controller
  remote controlled

Your alternative for remote control is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about remote control, one probably shouldn't forget about camera.

Other search terms related to remote control and their ratings are:
★★★★★ camera
★★ headphones
★ timer
★ laser pointer
raspberry pi
locking
media center
You have in mind a companion for remote control and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of remote control in all years. Click on graph for more.
remote control
radio control
remote assistance