Robots may well be 5G’s killer app. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) is working with InDro Robotics, the leading Canadian air and ground robotics research and development company, to remotely operate its industrial inspection robots at electrical substations.
InDro Robotics’ Sentinel was chosen by the Electric Power Research Institute to evaluate ground-roving robotics based on its ability to provide 24-hour substation asset inspection and security monitoring. Sentinel provides constant surveillance while streaming all data back to maintenance teams in near real-time using a custom integrated 5G router connected to T-Mobile’s network.
“The most important part of monitoring industrial complexes is being able to reliably capture and send data to customer maintenance teams in real-time, no matter where they are or how far away,” said Peter King, Head of Robotic Solutions at InDro Robotics.
Using a thermal camera, depth sensor and 30x zoom capabilities, InDro Robotics’ Sentinel rover can read and report on gauge levels while monitoring for abnormalities like fluctuating component temperatures, intruders and wildlife hazards. This can all be recorded and sent back wirelessly to maintenance teams almost instantly, meaning fewer roll outs, quicker responses and increased on-site safety.
Benefits of the 5G to robotics
5G serves as the invisible umbilical cord to mobile robots, which processes a great amount of data from the environment in a short period of time. Plus, mobile robots use complex algorithms that require high processing capabilities, according to Robotnik, which designs, manufactures and markets mobile robots.
“5G communications applied to robotics brings a new scope of possibilities,” according to Robotnik. “Now the outsourcing of data processing is possible, so the high load task of the robots can be performed outside it and bring two benefits: cheaper onboard computers and higher battery autonomy.”
Ericsson is working with the BioRobotics Institute in Pisa, Italy to use robots for smart manufacturing, where machines and sensors are wirelessly connected to allow industries to monitor, analyze and predict the process.
“The result is optimized processes and increased efficiency, making it possible to effectively implement just-in-time production and lean manufacturing,” according to Ericsson. “5G is central to the project. In order for the robots to be able to interact with their environment in real-time, huge amounts of information will have to be transferred instantaneously. With lower latency and higher bandwidth than other forms of wireless connectivity, 5G is the optimal choice.”
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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