Unlocking thesmart factory:Why 5G private networks are
essential for autonomous things

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Ericsson | Unlocking the Smart Factory

Contents
3

Introduction

4

Harnessing the power of autonomous things

6

Autonomous things in the real world:
5G enabling dynamic use cases

7

Building the foundation for autonomous things:
the crucial role of private networks

8

Getting started with autonomous things:
a guide to successful implementation

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Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Introduction
The march towards smarter factories is undeniable,
driven by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, quality,
and agility in a competitive global market. But navigating the path can be overwhelming, leaving manufacturers unsure of where to begin, what technologies to invest in, and how to scale. Achieving successrequires investing in three key areas: autonomousthings, Industrial IoT (IIoT), and advanced analytics.
However, a crucial fourth element is often overlooked:
advanced connectivity, and the network infrastructure
to support it. Traditional wired and wireless networks
simply won't support the ever-growing demands ofsensors, mobile devices, data transfer, and real-timecommunication demanded by a truly smart factory.
This paper focuses on autonomous things, suchas robots, drones, and other intelligent machines, highlighting their crucial significance inforging a smarter manufacturing future. It underscores the vital relationship between thesetechnologies and the use of private 5G cellular
networks required for their use. We'll explore:• Harnessing the power of autonomous things: Learn
about the benefits, categories, and use cases ofautonomous things specifically for manufacturing.
• Unleash the potential of 5G: Understand why 5G
private networks are the key to seamless data transfer, enhanced security, and future-proof scalability.
• Optimize deployment: Gain practical tips
for successfully implementing autonomous systems in your operations.
For those aiming to increase efficiency, productivity, quality, or profitability, the time to act is now.
This paper is crafted to provide the insights andconfidence necessary to guide and expedite thesmart factory journey. Remaining at the forefrontof smart manufacturing and partnering with manufacturers worldwide, Ericsson continues to implement and capitalize on the advantages of private
5G networks. It is our hope that our experience will
facilitate the unlocking of the power of autonomous things and network technology to realize asmarter, more efficient manufacturing future.

4Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Harnessing the power ofautonomous things
The rise of autonomous things (AuT) is a defining trend in
the manufacturing industry. These intelligent machines —encompassing mobile robots (AMRs), drones, and other advanced
systems — are revolutionizing production by automating tasks andaugmenting human capabilities. Unlike traditional industrial robots
that are confined to a specific location and function, autonomousthings are equipped with sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), andmachine learning (ML) algorithms, allowing them to navigate theirenvironment, perceive obstacles, and make real-time decisions. This
on-board intelligence is a critical piece of the puzzle, but it's only
half the equation.
Autonomous things also require reliable connectivity to a central
network or cloud platform. This connectivity serves several
important purposes:• Real-time data exchange: AuT can continuously transmit sensor
data (e.g., location, temperature, object recognition) to a central
system. This real-time data exchange allows for continuous
learning, improved decision-making, and remote monitoring of
AuT performance.
• Advanced analytics and optimization: The data collected from
AuT can be analyzed by powerful AI and machine learning tools
in the cloud. These insights can be used to further optimize AuT
behavior, refine workflows, and improve overall manufacturing
efficiency.
• Remote control and supervision: In some cases, human oversightor intervention might still be necessary. Reliable connectivity
allows for remote control and supervision of AuT, ensuring theirsafe and effective operation.
Ultimately, the combination of on-board intelligence androbust connectivity empowers autonomous things to transformtheir environment, becoming versatile tools for optimizing
manufacturing processes.

Automation versus Autonomous Things
Automation: Focuses on automating repetitive tasks
through pre-programmed instructions. These tasks are
typically well-defined and occur in a controlled environment.
A prime example involves robots on a car assembly line
executing identical welds repetitively. Human oversight andintervention are often required.
Autonomous Things (AuT): Involves intelligent devices
capable of perceiving their environment and making
decisions based on this information. These devices canfunction with greater autonomy and adapt to changing
situations. Examples of autonomous things include selfdriving cars or robots adept at navigating a warehouse andretrieving specific items.
Benefits of Autonomous Things
The integration of autonomous things offers a multitude of benefits
for manufacturers, including:• Increased efficiency and productivity: Autonomous things excel
at executing repetitive tasks with tireless precision, significantly
reducing cycle times and boosting overall production output.
For example, AMRs, such as forklifts, can efficiently transportmaterials between workstations, freeing up human workers formore complex tasks.
• Improved safety: By automating hazardous tasks like handlingheavy materials or working in confined spaces, autonomousthings significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This
allows human workers to focus on higher-level activities in a safer
environment.
• Enhanced quality control: Equipped with high-resolution
cameras and sensors, autonomous things conduct automatedinspections with heightened precision and consistency comparedto manual methods. Consequently, this results in fewer defects
and waste, along with enhanced product quality.
• Reduced costs: While acquiring AuTs requires an initialinvestment, the long-term benefits accrue through increased
efficiency, reduced waste, and minimized labor costs related torepetitive tasks.

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Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Examples of autonomous things in manufacturing
RobotsDrones• Smart robots: Industrial robots that work autonomously, learningfrom human-supervised training and demonstrations conductedin short-term intervals. Known for their enhanced reliability,
productivity, and lower costs, they excel in executing physicaltasks.

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): UAVs can be deployed foraerial inspections in hard-to-reach and dangerous areas. By
using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, UAVs
can inspect machinery, buildings, and inventory, facilitating
preventive maintenance and improving safety protocols.
• Light-cargo delivery drones: These autonomous flying vehicles
specialize in delivering small packages, typically weighing
under 10 kg. Known for their swift delivery times, they efficiently
transport essential supplies within a factory, ensuring timely
distribution to designated areas.

Autonomous Vehicles• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Widely used for material
handling within manufacturing facilities. AMRs utilize sensors and
AI to navigate autonomously, delivering materials to workstations
and optimizing production workflows.

• Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs): These are driverlessvehicles that follow predetermined paths on the factory floorusing magnetic strips, wires embedded in the floor, or laser
guidance systems. AGVs are ideal for transporting heavymaterials over long distances within a manufacturing facility,
improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor.

• Collaborative robots (Cobots): Designed to work alongsidehuman workers in shared workspaces, Cobots thrive at
performing tasks like assembly, sorting, and packaging, while
promoting human-machine collaboration on the factory floor.

• Autonomous forklifts: Building upon the capabilities of AGVs,
autonomous forklifts offer a more versatile solution. These
intelligent vehicles can navigate their environment, retrieve andtransport pallets of materials, and even stack them on shelvesautonomously. This not only significantly reduces the risk ofaccidents associated with traditional forklifts but also frees up
human workers for higher-value tasks.

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Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Autonomous things in the real world:
5G enabling dynamic use cases
The human-machine partnership
It's imperative to underscore that the rise of autonomous things
doesn't signify the replacement of human workers. Instead, AuT areengineered to go beyond alleviating the burden of repetitive tasks
by handling increasingly complex tasks with little to no need forhuman intervention. This enables human employees to capitalizeon their strengths — critical thinking, problem-solving, andengagement in higher-value activities. Additionally, the integrationof AuT has the potential to foster new job prospects in areas suchas system maintenance, data analysis, and process optimization,
thus attracting a new generation of tech-savvy talent to the
manufacturing sector.

Use case: autonomous electric trucks
powered by 5G
In Sweden, a pioneering initiative is underway, featuring apilot project aimed at testing Einride's T-pod, an autonomous
electric truck, within a DB Schenker facility. This driverlessvehicle operates autonomously within the facility underremote supervision. The seamless 5G connectivity, provided
by Ericsson and Telia, ensures reliable communication forsafe and efficient operation.
The project highlights the potential of autonomous electrictrucks for:• Cost efficiency: Reduced operation and production costs• Safety: Improved safety through reliable 5G connections

Use case: Hitachi Rail's digital factory• Sustainability: Environmentally friendly electric technology

Hitachi is building what it aspires to be the most advanced
digital factory in the United States. This extraordinary effort
requires the coordination of and connectivity to a myriad ofadvanced autonomous technologies.

This collaboration demonstrates how 5G can revolutionize
transportation with autonomous electric trucks.

To learn more about this emerging story, visit:
Smart Factory inspections with private 5G - Ericsson

Use case: autonomous mobile robots insmart manufacturing
Ubiquitous connectivity is essential for the seamless
operation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) within asmart factory. A prime illustration is the Industry 4.0 facility inLewisville, Texas, where a private 5G network supports a fleetof AMRs. These intelligent robots undertake a variety of tasks,
including material movement and transporting circuit boards
between assembly, testing, and shipping stations.

5G Benefits for AMRs
• Ubiquitous coverage: Reliable wireless coverage spanningthe entire 300,000 sq. ft. facility ensures smooth,
uninterrupted AMR operation.
• Low latency: Real-time data transmission between AMRs
and control systems is critical for efficient task coordination
and avoiding bottlenecks.

To read the full article, visit:
Ericsson 5G tech on trial in Einride T-pod autonomous truck |Article | automotiveIT International

Use case: extending drones beyond line ofsight — the power of mobile networks
Harnessing the capabilities of mobile network coverage andintelligence unlocks the potential for safer long-distance
flights for autonomous drones, enabling their unprecedented
reach. In a collaborative effort, Ericsson partnered with
Vodafone to successfully test safe "sky corridors" for drones,
enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
Challenges of BVLOS Drones• Maintaining safe flight paths: Limited visibility beyond thepilot's line of sight raises safety concerns for ground and air
traffic.
• Network security: Safeguarding drones from unauthorizedaccess and ensuring secure communication is crucial.
• Reliable video streaming: Seamless transmission of highquality video is essential for remote monitoring and control.

• Scalability and flexibility: A 5G network exhibits thecapability to accommodate future expansion andmodifications in AMR deployment.

Solutions via mobile networks• Drone mission control (DMC): A cloud-based platform forplanning, monitoring, and controlling drone fleets remotely.

For more information, visit:
AMRs communicate with factory of the future using private
5G network | Control Design• Ericsson network protocols: These protocols enable securecommunication, authorization, and Quality-of-Service(QoS) management for video streaming.

Turkcell and Ericsson execute 5G-supported Autonomous
Mobile Robot solution

For more information, visit:
Vodafone tests safe sky corridors for drones with Ericsson
Autonomous Cycle Counting | Modex 2024 (cypherrobotics.
com)

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Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Building the foundation for autonomousthings: the crucial role of private networks
A private network encompasses a localized
area network using licensed, shared, or
unlicensed wireless spectrum coupled with
LTE or 5G cellular technology. Designed
to be configured to an enterprise's specificneeds within a defined area, it offers
numerous advantages over traditional
wired and Wi-Fi networks, particularly insupporting autonomous things (AuT).

Benefits of private networks forautonomous things• Speed and flexibility: Rapid datatransmission enables real-timecommunication between AuT devices
and central control systems, allowing forfaster decision-making and adjustments
within automated processes.
• Lower and predictable latency:
Minimized signal delay is essential for
AuT applications like autonomous robots

and vehicles. Precise and timely dataexchange ensures smooth operation andavoids errors or accidents.
• Expanded device connectivity: Private
networks can handle numerous
connections to a vast array of machines
and sensors, which are essential forcollecting the requisite data for AuT
devices to function intelligently andinteract with their environment.
• Enhanced security: Dedicatedfrequencies and end-to-end encryption
provide a secure network environment
for AuT communication, protecting
sensitive data and safeguarding
against cyberattacks that could disrupt
operations.
• Superior, seamless coverage: Consistentand reliable coverage across allenvironments, including indoor
and outdoor, ensure uninterrupted

connectivity for AuT devices, regardless of
their location within the network.
• Better governance: Granular control
over authorized devices on the network
prevents unauthorized access andensures only approved AuT devices
can connect, enhancing overall system
reliability.
• Built-in mobility: Seamless handovers
as devices move within the network
guarantee uninterrupted communication
for AuT applications, even when robots orvehicles are in motion.
By addressing these critical requirements,
private networks empower the widespread
adoption and efficient operation ofautonomous things across diverse
industries.

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Ericsson | Why 5G private networks are essential for autonomous things

Getting started with autonomous things:
a guide to successful implementation
Manufacturers must consider a roadmap
when integrating autonomous things into
their operations.

Building the case for autonomousthings: identify where they deliver value• Collaborative workflows: Design newworkflows that leverage the strengths ofboth AuT and human workers for optimal
efficiency.
• Quality improvement: Identify repetitive
manual tasks prone to human error,
where AuT can ensure consistent quality.
• Safety enhancement: Deploy AuT toperform hazardous activities, minimizing
risks to human workers.
• Cost reduction: Strategize how AuT canstreamline operations and drive overall
cost reductions across manufacturing
processes.

Areas for focus during implementation• Software solutions: Implement deviceside software to manage autonomous
movement and task execution.
Customization may be needed to fulfill
specific business requirements.
• Services integration: Integrate datacollected from AuT with existing
manufacturing systems and analytics
platforms to derive actionable insights.
• Hardware procurement: Engage thirdparty hardware providers offering preconfigured solutions for various AuT
applications.
• Connectivity infrastructure: Establish
reliable communication channels tofacilitate seamless data exchange
between AuT devices and centralized
systems.

Critical stages of deployment to manage
well• Cross-functional alignment: Ensurecollaboration between various
departments, such as engineering,
operations, and IT.
• Internal resource assessment: Evaluate
existing skills and resources within theorganization.
• External resources sourcing: Identify
and partner with external vendors forexpertise or equipment not readily
available internally.

• Implementation and integration: Focus
on configuring systems, setting up
networks, and integrating AuT withexisting infrastructure.
• Deployment and operational oversight:
Oversee the rollout of AuT and establish
procedures for ongoing monitoring andmaintenance.

Choosing the right partners for success
When considering AuT integration
alongside 5G private networks, selecting
the right partners is critical. Here’s what toconsider:• AuT expertise: Partner with experts
who are well-versed in diverse AuTtechnologies and their applications withinmanufacturing environments.
• 5G network planning and integration:
Seek partners experienced in planningfor, deploying, and managing private
5G networks specifically designed for
AuT communication and data transfer isessential.
• Systems integration skills: Prioritize
partners with a proven track recordof integrating AuT with existing
manufacturing systems and software
applications.
• Security emphasis: Opt for partners
prioritizing robust cybersecurity solutions
to safeguard your AuT network andsensitive data.
• Scalability and Adaptability: Choose
partners capable of designing scalable
solutions that evolve with your future AuT
needs.
• Proven implementation trackrecord: Select partners with ademonstrated history of successful AuT
implementations in manufacturing,supported by case studies and/or
testimonials.
By aligning with partners possessing these
attributes, one can anticipate a smootherand more successful AuT integration
process.

Conclusion
The convergence of autonomous things(AuT) with 5G private networks marks atransformative chapter in manufacturing.
For those yet to begin their AuT journey,
now is the time to seize this opportunity,
as early adopters are already reaping thebenefits, and the technology is quickly
maturing. Even for those underway, thejourney ahead promises further growth andevolution. With ongoing advancements
in AuT technologies and the expanding
capabilities of private 5G networks, thepotential to streamline operations andoptimize manufacturing processes islimitless. Embrace the power of AuT today
and unlock a future defined by unparalleledproductivity and innovation.
To help you see how far you are on yoursmart journey, take Ericsson's Smart
Manufacturing Maturity Assessment, freeof charge, by visiting www.ericsson.com/
smart-manufacturing-assessment.

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