ABB and Ericsson demonstrate distant robot control over 5G

During the World Economic Forum (WEF 2020), ABB and Ericsson are demonstrating the potential of no-latency communication enabled by 5G. At the Congress Center in Davos, Switzerland, an ABB YuMi collaborative robot will carve a message in a sandbox that will be replicated at the same time by a second YuMi robot located 1.5 km away.

The simultaneous action will be enabled through Swisscom’s 5G network equipped with Ericsson technology in real time and viewed on video screens at both locations. Based on a multi-year technical collaboration, ABB and Ericsson have developed the fundamental technologies needed to connect machines via a 5G mobile network.

“ABB will continue to drive the digital transformation of industries by investing in developing innovative solutions and products,” said Peter Voser, ABB CEO and Chairman. “Our partnership with Ericsson and Swisscom helps us to seize the full potential of 5G for industrial manufacturing.”

Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business, said: “5G wireless technologies make it easier to connect robots to the cloud and factory automation systems, enabling faster access to more data and better decision-making based on insights which will help improve efficiency and reliability through the entire production cycle.

“As we replace traditional wired set-ups with 5G mobile networks, we can significantly increase flexibility in manufacturing.”

“5G technology partnerships across business, government and society are key to developing the digital economy,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson. “By embracing and enabling such partnerships, new digital opportunities can be realised to benefit the global economy, national economies and businesses of all sizes.”

With this technology the companies say they are paving the way for the highest flexibility for machines on the factory floor. Utilising 5G networks, the deployment and operations of large fleets of autonomous machines and robots will become a reality.

A significant benefit from 5G in industrial environments is that instead of a single control/single purpose operating approach, multi-machines can be controlled by one central resource, reducing the cost of managing and maintaining OT as well as IT systems, on a global basis.

ABB sees 5G as an enabling technology that will help drive digital transformation of industries, increasing productivity, efficiency and quality in manufacturing worldwide.