en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ericsson has deployed a private 5G network at its 5G USA Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, improving the operational efficiency of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The factory replaced some Wi-Fi connections with the private 5G network, significantly reducing the number of network handovers as AMRs move across the workshop, thereby boosting production efficiency. Factory Production Manager Matt Hume stated that in an area covered by approximately 28 Wi-Fi access points, AMRs required numerous handovers when moving via Wi-Fi; however, with just two Ericsson 5G Radio Dots (a type of indoor small cell) covering the same area, handovers were drastically reduced, and the higher bandwidth provided by 5G also helped the robot fleet management system more accurately track equipment locations in real time. The factory does not use network slicing but instead employs millimeter wave and C-band spectrum from an unnamed major public network operator.

This deployment by Ericsson not only serves its own production but also demonstrates the return on investment of private 5G to potential customers. Factory Data and Analytics Manager Josh Cave noted that manufacturing technology producers often perceive insufficient demand for 5G products, while factories hope someone will provide such products; Ericsson is trying to bring parties together to show how deployment can be achieved. If private 5G helps a motorcycle manufacturer produce three additional motorcycles per day, output will increase over several months, allowing the network investment to be recouped. Cave added that 5G connectivity enables more applications in larger spaces or areas requiring both indoor and outdoor connections.

Matt Jones, Vice President of Networks for Ericsson Americas, pointed out that private networks are a growing part of Ericsson's business, with the company's workload in this area significantly increasing compared to a few years ago. Ericsson's model includes collaborating with communication service providers as well as directly working with utility companies and large enterprises.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com