In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation, the integration of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with private 5G networks is proving to be a game-changer. The recent A3 webinar, "Enabling AGVs and AMRs for Industrial Automation with Private 5G," explored this groundbreaking technology and shared valuable insights for industry leaders.
Why private 5G for AGVs and AMRs?
- Enhanced coverage and penetration: Private 5G networks offers exceptional signal strength and reduced interference, even in industrial environments with high ceilings and metal-heavy structures, outperforming traditional Wi-Fi.
- Reliable low latency: Critical for seamless AGV and AMR operations, private 5G ensures consistent low-latency communication, minimizing the risk of disruptions or stalling.
- Uninterrupted mobility: Unlike Wi-Fi’s “break-and-make” handover mechanism, private 5G employs a “make-and-break” approach, ensuring robust and uninterrupted connectivity as AGVs and AMRs move across the facility.
Real-world deployments
- Distribution centers: A multi-floor distribution center replaced 120 Wi-Fi access points with just 8 private 5G APs, eliminating RF interference and enabling over 60,000 seamless daily handovers for 400+ AGVs. Read interactive blog.
- Tile manufacturing facility: A tile manufacturer upgraded from 36 Wi-Fi APs to 12 private 5G APs, addressing challenges posed by high ceilings and heavy metal infrastructure while improving performance and reliability. Read case study.
Key design considerations
- Device and traffic requirements: Accurately assess the number of devices, latency needs, and throughput demands to design a network that meets operational goals.
- Network architecture: Seamlessly connect Private 5G to existing enterprise infrastructure, including VLANs and security systems, for streamlined management.
- Security and MicroSlicing™: Implementing SIM-based authentication and MicroSlicing to securely segment traffic, ensuring reliable performance for critical operations.
Cost and value advantages
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: With fewer access points and reduced maintenance needs, private 5G can deliver significant cost savings compared to Wi-Fi in large industrial environments.
- Maximized ROI: For a fully automated distribution center, the deployment of a private 5G network resulted in significant cost reduction and a boost in operational efficiency, highlighting the financial benefits of this technology.
Conclusion
The A3 webinar provided a comprehensive look at how private 5G is revolutionizing AGVs and AMRs, backed by real-world success stories and technical insights. For a deeper dive into the specifics and to explore how private 5G can revolutionize your industrial automation processes, we encourage you to view the full webinar. Stay ahead in the automation game by leveraging the power of private 5G. Watch the webinar now and transform your operations!
