Freshwave, a provider of private network solutions, has partnered with the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, Scotland, to deploy a portable 5G private network aimed at enhancing the centre’s robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
This collaboration will support the testing of robots, with a particular focus on advancing commercial projects in the agritech sector.
The first robot to be tested on the new 5G private network Boston Dynamics’ quadruped Spot, which will be used to address agricultural technology needs for one of the National Robotarium’s clients.
The robot is equipped to stream live video, perform 3D mapping, and conduct infrared assessments in the field. The data collected in real time will be used to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability, with a focus on precision farming techniques such as crop monitoring and environmental assessments.
The deployment of portable 5G private networks is seen as a significant step forward for the agritech sector, particularly in remote and rural areas where traditional broadband is often unavailable. These networks provide high-speed, reliable internet access, enabling devices and systems in the field to communicate seamlessly.
The low latency of 5G allows for immediate data collection and analysis, which is crucial for making timely decisions in agriculture. Additionally, the portability of the network makes it ideal for farms that require flexible, seasonal infrastructure.
The UK’s agritech industry is projected to reach £15.6 billion by 2026, and innovations like the portable 5G network are expected to play a key role in driving this growth.
Freshwave’s 5G private network is designed for quick deployment, with a self-contained pop-up mast powered by a generator. The network uses n77 spectrum, which was secured from Ofcom, and was set up at the National Robotarium in a matter of days.
The partnership between Freshwave and the National Robotarium has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), under which the two will continue to test and develop robotics on private 5G networks.
Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, said: “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.”
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