Freshwave Partners with National Robotarium to Drive 5G Innovation in Robotics & Agritech

Freshwave, a UK-based tower company and network-sharing specialist, has partnered with the National Robotarium to deploy a portable 5G private network. This collaboration focuses on advancing Industry 4.0 applications, specifically in robotics and agritech. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two organizations aims to accelerate innovation in private 5G solutions for robotics on an ongoing basis.

Key Connectivity Challenges in Industry 4.0 and Agritech

Industry 4.0 and agritech both face distinct challenges:

1. Connectivity gaps in rural areas: Traditional broadband infrastructure struggles to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity in remote regions, hindering the adoption of smart technologies.
2. Need for real-time data processing: Robots and other IoT-enabled devices in agriculture demand low-latency networks for real-time decision-making.
3. Mobility and flexibility: Fixed infrastructure often cannot accommodate the dynamic and seasonal nature of farming.
4. Cost of infrastructure: Building and maintaining permanent network setups can be prohibitively expensive in low-density agricultural zones.

How Freshwave’s Portable 5G Network Solves Agritech Challenges

Freshwave’s portable 5G private network addresses these challenges effectively. The self-contained setup includes a pop-up mast powered by a generator and leverages the n77 spectrum (3.8–4.2 GHz) allocated by Ofcom. Key features include:

• Rapid deployment: The network can be set up in just a few days, allowing for quick adaptation to project needs.
• Portability: It can be moved easily to align with shifting operational requirements or seasonal agricultural cycles.
• High-performance connectivity: The 5G network delivers low latency, high bandwidth, and real-time data processing, making it ideal for agritech applications.

Real-World Impact: 5G-Powered Robotics in Action

The partnership’s first project integrates a Boston Dynamics quadruped robot, Spot, with the private 5G network. Tasks performed by Spot include:

• Live video streaming.
• Generating 3D maps of the environment.
• Conducting infrared assessments for agricultural insights.

Spot’s real-time data collection capabilities enable improved agricultural productivity and sustainability, addressing challenges like resource optimization and precision farming. Ian Sharp, head of business development at The Scotland 5G Centre, highlighted the potential of 5G to address rural connectivity issues and transform farming practices.

Why Freshwave Opted for a Portable 5G Solution

Freshwave selected a portable private 5G solution tailored for flexibility and performance. It leverages n77 spectrum to ensure robust connectivity and can be deployed in remote locations with limited infrastructure. The self-contained mast and generator-based setup make it adaptable to a variety of environments, from testing facilities to actual agricultural fields.

The National Robotarium brings its expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, a field supported by its collaboration with Heriot-Watt University and The University of Edinburgh. As a hub for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, the Robotarium provides an ideal setting for testing and scaling Industry 4.0 solutions.

The Benefits of Portable 5G in Agritech and Industry 4.0

The benefits of this collaboration for the agritech and Industry 4.0 sectors include:

1. Enhanced efficiency: Real-time data enables precision agriculture, optimizing resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
2. Sustainability: The ability to monitor crop health and environmental conditions promotes eco-friendly practices.
3. Scalability: Portable 5G networks can support multiple robots and IoT devices, enabling larger, more complex operations.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure reduces deployment costs.

The UK agritech sector, projected to reach £15.6 billion by 2026, stands to benefit significantly from such innovations.

Farming with Robotics and 5G Connectivity

The integration of private 5G networks with robotics is a major step forward for Industry 4.0. It enables co-bot farming, where humans and robots collaborate on tasks such as weed removal, nutrient analysis, and pesticide application. Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, likened this innovation to the transformative impact tractors had on farming decades ago.

Freshwave’s Role in Deploying Portable 5G Solutions

Freshwave played a pivotal role in deploying the portable private 5G network. Its expertise in neutral-host private networks ensures seamless operation and scalability. Freshwave’s rapid deployment capabilities have enabled the National Robotarium to achieve quick wins in agritech innovation.

The National Robotarium’s Role in Driving Robotics Innovation

The National Robotarium serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge robotics, leveraging its research focus on robotics and autonomous systems. Meanwhile, The Scotland 5G Centre offers guidance and support in private 5G adoption, connecting stakeholders and promoting the benefits of advanced wireless connectivity.

Freshwave’s Portable 5G Network: Current Projects and Milestones

The portable 5G private network is operational and actively supporting agritech projects. Spot’s demonstration has already showcased its value, and further projects are planned under the MoU between Freshwave and the National Robotarium.

The network was deployed within days, thanks to Freshwave’s plug-and-play solution. Ongoing collaboration between Freshwave and the National Robotarium will explore additional use cases in robotics and Industry 4.0.

Expert Endorsements for 5G-Enabled Agritech Solutions

Key figures have praised the initiative:

• Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, emphasized the potential for robots and 5G networks to transform agriculture.
• Tom Bennett, CTO at Freshwave, expressed enthusiasm for advancing robotics innovation with portable 5G.
• Ian Sharp, from The Scotland 5G Centre, noted the importance of 5G in overcoming rural connectivity challenges and achieving sustainable farming practices.

This partnership underscores how portable 5G private networks and robotics can reshape industries, enabling a smarter, more connected future.