As a use case for local 5G equipment simulating disaster sites, we conducted an operation demonstration of a remotely controlled robot using our local 5G equipment, with the cooperation of Kowatech. Within the local 5G environment, we connected the main unit of Kowatec’s heavy machinery control robot “SAM” to a local 5G mobile station and connected the controller to a local 5G base station. We demonstrated stable remote operation by controlling the robot while viewing images from cameras installed around it on a display. We will continue to actively conduct experiments utilizing local 5G in environments simulating diverse field conditions, contributing to the advancement of communications.

With the cooperation of Oriental Shiraishi, we conducted a remote control experiment for a caisson shovel. In pneumatic caisson construction, the area where the shovel operates is a high-pressure, high-humidity environment, so it is typically operated remotely from a separate room. This time, we confirmed that remote operation could be performed smoothly via stable communication by wireless transmission of the video and control signals from the caisson shovel using local 5G. Going forward, we will enhance the product’s reliability for safe use even in harsher environments and aim for practical implementation.

By enabling remote operation of construction equipment and heavy machinery using high-reliability, low-latency wireless communication via Local 5G, workers can be freed from hazardous locations such as disaster sites. Concerns exist that the shortage of skilled technicians handling construction equipment and heavy machinery will worsen due to the declining number of experienced operators. Wireless remote control and construction operations will significantly contribute to addressing this labor shortage. Wireless remote control of various heavy machinery and robots also plays a crucial role in the Cabinet Office’s Moonshot Program, which aims to pioneer humanity’s future. Its applications are already expanding to address numerous challenges.

With the cooperation of Takebishi Corporation, we constructed a demo system simulating slider control using Mitsubishi Electric’s “MELSEC” PLC, widely employed in domestic factories. One side was connected via a wired network, while the other utilized Local 5G. By comparing various KPIs, we confirmed no performance difference between the wired network and Local 5G.　We will continue to conduct connectivity tests with various industrial equipment and standards, promoting wireless solutions to contribute to labor reduction and automation in factories through wireless technology.

With the cooperation of Sakai Electric Co., Ltd., we demonstrated the simultaneous wireless control of six of their AGVs via local 5G within an exhibition booth simulating a factory environment. While remote control using conventional wireless environments like Wi-Fi can become unstable due to fluctuations in the number of network users, designing the coverage area using local 5G enabled us to achieve a consistently stable system. Our company is conducting connectivity tests with various factory equipment, including automated guided vehicles and machine tools. By promoting wireless solutions, we aim to contribute to labor reduction and automation in factories through wireless technology.