Freshwave, the connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider. has partnered with the National Robotarium, an advanced robotics and artificial intelligence research facility, to introduce a portable 5G private network to its operations. This collaboration aims to enhance the Robotarium’s capacity to undertake commercial projects and develop new technological applications, particularly in agricultural technology (agrotech).
Testing the Potential of Robotics on 5G Networks
The first robot to utilize this portable 5G private network is Spot, a wireless quadruped robot developed by Boston Dynamics. Spot is currently undergoing tests to meet specific agrotech needs for a National Robotarium client. The robot’s tasks include streaming live video content, conducting 3D mapping and performing infrared assessments in agricultural settings. These capabilities allow real-time data collection and analysis to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Spot’s performance is supported by the advanced features of the portable 5G private network. Unlike traditional broadband, which is often limited in rural or remote locations, the network provides high-speed, reliable internet connectivity, enabling seamless data exchange and analysis in areas where conventional infrastructure may fall short. The low latency of 5G ensures immediate decision-making for precision agricultural tasks such as crop monitoring and equipment optimization.
A New Era for Agrotech Applications
Portable 5G private networks are emerging as a versatile solution for the agrotech industry, offering benefits such as mobility, ease of deployment, and adaptability to seasonal farming requirements. These networks facilitate a wide range of agricultural applications, including automated machinery control, environmental monitoring, and enhanced resource management. The UK agrotech sector, forecasted to grow to £15.6 billion by 2026, stands to gain significantly from these advancements.
Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made using Freshwave’s portable 5G private network. He highlighted that robots have the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector in much the same way tractors did years ago, but emphasized that the right networks are essential to support this data-driven transformation.
“This portable 5G private network is going to allow us to unlock exciting new applications for our customers. One day we’ll see multiple robots in the field working together on different tasks, from weed removal to nutrient-analysis to pesticide application, creating a co-bot (human and robots working together) workforce to achieve results that simply aren’t possible without harnessing technology. It’s truly a gamechanger and the future of agritech.”
National Robotarium and Freshwave’s Collaboration and Technical Expertise
The project is being carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Robotarium and Freshwave. This agreement combines the Robotarium’s expertise in robotics and AI with Freshwave’s capability in delivering private networks. The MOU establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration to explore new applications for robotics powered by 5G technology.
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“We’re pleased to bring our 5G private network expertise to this project with the National Robotarium. The work the team is doing there is unbelievably cutting-edge and we’re excited to be involved in it.”
Ian Sharp, Head of Business Development at The Scotland 5G Centre, also attended a demonstration of Spot utilizing the network.
“The demonstration of this robot, powered by Freshwave’s portable 5G private network, showcases the transformative potential of 5G to revolutionise agritech. It’s exciting to see how 5G can address the unique challenges of rural and remote areas, making sustainable and efficient farming more achievable.”
A Fully Portable and Flexible Solution
The Freshwave 5G private network is powered by a self-contained, generator-supported pop-up mast, ensuring full portability. The system, which utilizes the n77 spectrum secured by Freshwave from Ofcom, can be set up within days, making it highly adaptable to dynamic operational needs.
As this collaboration unfolds, the partnership between Freshwave and the National Robotarium is expected to open new opportunities for agrotech innovations, addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges with advanced technology and connectivity.