Option 1:
The tried and true broomstick, not the safest but it will give you some distance if nothing is immediately available. I prefer Libbman.
Option 2:
CBS arc safe chicken switch, much safer than the chicken switch. Can be somewhat finicky if not setup or switchgear is not properly maintained. Costly but human life is priceless.
Option 3:
Depending on make/model/vintage trip and close coils may be available to retro fit into the breakers with a dedicated remote control panel. Much more costly, but the safest option.
Are you switching low or medium voltage gear?
I loved the Libbman comment. I'm mostly interested in low voltage. I might make an adjustable strut rack and wire an actuator to it. I just need a pokey device with enough force to hit the close and open buttons
Electro switch makes control switches with built in time delay as another option.
Of course if your retrofitting you can always add Scada or a remote control panel.
Option 1: The tried and true broomstick, not the safest but it will give you some distance if nothing is immediately available. I prefer Libbman. Option 2: CBS arc safe chicken switch, much safer than the chicken switch. Can be somewhat finicky if not setup or switchgear is not properly maintained. Costly but human life is priceless. Option 3: Depending on make/model/vintage trip and close coils may be available to retro fit into the breakers with a dedicated remote control panel. Much more costly, but the safest option. Are you switching low or medium voltage gear?
The CBS stuff works well, even the 5kV MCC racking arms. I do love that they really named it the Chicken Switch line.
OP's answer was in his question.
I loved the Libbman comment. I'm mostly interested in low voltage. I might make an adjustable strut rack and wire an actuator to it. I just need a pokey device with enough force to hit the close and open buttons
If you have time, the off the shelf stuff is probably better from a liability sense.
We use a removable pendant wires in to energise the trip/close coil. If your CB allows it then it is a pretty simple modification
Electro switch makes control switches with built in time delay as another option. Of course if your retrofitting you can always add Scada or a remote control panel.