[Local 5G × Autonomous Mobile Robots] Industry Alpha Begins Demonstration of Cutting-Edge AMR Utilizing Local 5G at NTT East Facility
Exhibition Background
The manufacturing and logistics industries are currently facing a critical labor shortage due to declining birthrates and a shrinking population. In response, many companies are accelerating the adoption of automation technologies.
To date, numerous efficiency solutions have been developed using cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, image recognition, and optimization algorithms.
Among these, Local 5G is emerging as a key enabler of further automation, thanks to its high compatibility with such technologies. Local 5G provides next-generation network capabilities, offering ultra-high-capacity data transmission and low latency compared to conventional communication methods. This allows for rapid transmission of high-resolution video and seamless data sharing among multiple devices.
In the context of smart factory initiatives, the integration of AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) with Local 5G has garnered significant attention, enabling use cases such as remote control, video-based anomaly detection, and advanced multi-robot coordination.
However, AMRs compatible with Local 5G have been extremely limited to date, and practical implementations have been few.
To address this gap, Industry Alpha and NTT East Japan have partnered to launch a new demonstration at NTT East’s Local 5G Smart Factory & Logistics Lab, showcasing real-world applications to corporate visitors. This initiative aims to highlight the potential of AMRs powered by Local 5G and drive innovation toward the realization of next-generation smart factories.
[World’s Most Advanced] Local 5G-Compatible AMR “Akatsuki”
Industry Alpha has developed new technologies and redesigned mechanisms to offer a customization option that enables existing AMRs to support both Local 5G and WiFi. For this exhibition, the “Akatsuki” model was customized to be Local 5G-compatible and provided for demonstration.
At NTT East Japan’s Local 5G Smart Factory & Logistics Lab, a demonstration showcases two AMRs collaboratively transporting folding containers (OriCons) via Local 5G communication.
Key Features of “Akatsuki”:
- Advanced Local 5G compatibility enabling low-latency, highly reliable data communication.
- The AMR body can extend and retract according to the height of the object, automatically adjusting to the optimal working height.
- Capable of handling both loading/unloading and transport in a single unit, significantly contributing to the automation of picking operations.
Future Outlook
Industry Alpha believes that through collaboration with NTT East Japan, new use cases for local 5G in manufacturing and logistics can be realized, advancing toward the ideal factories and warehouses of the next 10 years.
Local 5G can be customized as an upload-focused network, enabling transmission of high-definition video and large CAD data.
This allows high-precision camera video transmission and remote AMR operation, improving safety management and maintenance efficiency, and removing the need for on-site supervisors.
Workers, supervisors, and technicians can share audio and video in real time even when physically separated, allowing one inspector to efficiently oversee multiple sites.
By realizing a smart factory with human-machine collaboration, labor shortages can be solved and a sustainable society can be achieved.
Combining Industry Alpha’s advanced technology and smart factory expertise with NTT East Japan’s communication infrastructure and customer base, we are confident in serving many manufacturing and logistics clients.
References
[Tokyo Metropolitan Government “Next-Generation Communication Technology Utilization Startup Support Project” Selection]
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000028.000107270.html
[Local 5G Smart Factory & Logistics Lab Opening]
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000889.000098811.html
[Exhibition of Production Line Utilizing Local 5G]
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000027.000107270.html