In factories and warehouses all over the world, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are changing the way we manage material flows by performing tasks on their own, enabling smoother and more cost-effective operations. For over 50 years, Kollmorgen has been leading the way in creating software and hardware solutions for automated vehicles, and our NDC platform is used by over 90 AGV and AMR manufacturers worldwide, making logistics automation easier for everyone involved.
The 5G Revolution in Material Handling
Now, with the advent of 5G technology, AGVs and AMRs are set to enter a new era of connectivity and performance. Ericsson Private 5G, the private 5G network product from Ericsson, in conjunction with Kollmorgen's NDC Solutions, are transforming the landscape of material handling. This partnership brings forth a host of advantages that can significantly benefit manufacturers and warehouses, making their operations smoother and more efficient.
Benefits of 5G for AGVs and AMRs
Strong, Stable and Secure Connectivity: Kollmorgen's NDC Solutions, tested on Ericsson Private 5G, provides seamless and reliable coverage. This means fleets of AGVs and AMRs can stay connected and communicate smoothly, even in large warehouses or factories, on a single network.
Built to Scale: One of the great things about 5G is that it can handle a large number of devices without slowing down. This scalable characteristic allows factories to further expand their fleet of AGVs without worrying about network congestion.
Predictable Performance and Latency: With 5G, AGVs and AMRs can communicate with each other and other systems quickly and efficiently. Thanks to deterministic latency, even during heavy network use, these machines can operate smoothly and predictably, ensuring the tasks are completed without interruptions.
Traffic Prioritization: In a busy factory, some tasks are more important than others. With Ericsson Private 5G, you can prioritize certain types of communication over others with Quality of Service (QoS). This means that AGVs are guaranteed to operate without interference from lower-priority applications on the network.
Faster Data Transfer: Ericsson Private 5G enables enterprises to deploy AGV fleets supported by faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, robustness, and improved reliability. This potential advancement could enable AGVs and AMRs to perform tasks faster and more efficiently.
The Future with 5G-Enabled AGVs
By adopting 5G technology, manufacturers and warehouses can harness several benefits:
- Increased Productivity: AGVs and AMRs can work faster and smarter with 5G, leading to increased productivity in material handling.
- Improved Efficiency: The reliability and stability of 5G networks reduce downtime, making AGV operations more efficient and cost-effective.
- Competitive Advantage: In today's fast-paced and digital-driven economy, staying competitive is crucial. 5G-powered AGVs and AMRs help businesses keep up with the latest technology trends and maintain their edge in the market.
- Better, Faster, Safer: An intelligent facility controlling a fleet of AGVs and AMRs using a single digital brain to know where each asset is in relation to other assets, including human, is able to run at higher speeds with more consideration to its environment.
The partnership between Ericsson and Kollmorgen, powered by 5G technology and private networks, is reshaping the world of AGVs and AMRs in material handling. With high-performance, reliable and secure connectivity, highly scalable, with predictable and low latency, these smart machines can perform their tasks more efficiently than ever before. Manufacturers and warehouses that embrace 5G-powered AGVs and AMRs are prepared to benefit from increased productivity, improved efficiency, and a competitive edge in today's dynamic industrial landscape. As we move forward, 5G technology will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation and transformation in material handling.
ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com
