Use Cases & Trials
UC CITIES 2 - Automated Logistics
Tackles one of three UC for this vertical: interconnected and intelligent cities, automated logistics, and security coordination. Specifically, the UC investigates how Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) can improve both the production process and employee safety. AGVs will streamline operations by reducing delivery times and eliminate the need for employees to manually transport heavy goods, thus minimizing the risk of injuries. This will be achieved by exploring and testing the integration of large-scale extreme IoT-Edge- Cloud scenarios, based on a 5G SA testbed.
Partners
Use Case Overall
Industrial environments like logistics warehouses are set to be transformed by autonomous robots, e.g. as AGVs. These intelligent machines will take over the tasks of collecting and distributing goods, freeing up human workers for more strategic roles. This not only enhances safety by reducing manual handling risks, but also significantly boosts productivity.
Human oversight remains crucial, with operators monitoring the AGVs and ready to intervene if needed. The robots themselves are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, allowing them to seamlessly communicate with a central control platform. This communication is facilitated by cutting-edge B5G networking, ensuring real-time data exchange and optimal performance.
The future holds even greater possibilities. AI and machine learning (ML) tools are constantly being developed to further train these robots, allowing them to operate with even greater autonomy and reduce processing times even further.
In the Smart Cities UC-Cities-2 Automated Logistics scenario, the key players will be OTE and ACTA. These organizations will take on the role of AGV warehouse operators.
OTE and ACTA will share responsibilities in operating the AGVs within the warehouse. These include:
Issuing Commands
They will direct the AGVs to perform specific tasks.
Emergency Intervention
In case of an unexpected situation, they will be pre-pared to take control of the AGVs.
Data Verification
They will ensure the proper reception of sensor and camera da-ta from the AGVs.
Network Performance Evaluation (ACTA only)
ACTA will have the additional re-sponsibility of analyzing network performance metrics.
UC Pre-requisites for the Scenarios
The 5G/B5G network must provide robust coverage throughout the designated AGV operating area.
The designated operating space for the AGV needs to be sufficiently spacious to ac-commodate its movements freely.
The AGV should be equipped with sensors and cameras capable of generating a sig-nificant amount of data.
For consistency in reporting across all 6G-PATH use cases (UCs), this UC will present its results in a format aligned with the other UCs. It is expected by Third parties, if involved in an Open Call, to provide equipment that requires a 5G network with network KPIs at high limits.
Key Objectives
Improve the production process.
Improve the employee safety.
Comprehensive end-to-end network KPI measurement and detailed analysis of specific network segments.
Expected Innovations/Outcomes
Provide additional slices in the 5G network to satisfy the demand of the AGV robot applications.
Integrate KPI measurements from a commercial solution into the Project developed ELCM solution.
KPIs
- Latency(e2e). Latency as measured from User end device (router on AGV) to the Operator terminal. <12 ms
- Latency (Radio Net.). Low, in order to enhance perceived quality of service. <5ms
- Jitter. Low since we provide real-time control and streaming. <2 msec
- Packet Loss. It will be better in the Core/MPC network but lower when the Radio Access network is included in the measurements. <10⁻⁵
- Availability. High availability required, so that the human AGV operator should be able to reach, and control AGV if necessary. 99,999%
- Reliability. Same as above for availability. 99,999%.
KVIs
Economic KVIs. e.g. Reduced operational cost, Reduced downtime cost, Increased productivity.
Environmental KVIs. Reduced Energy Consumption, Lower Carbon Emissions.
Social KVIs. Reduction in Workplace Accidents, Job Creation in Technology and Maintenance.
Service Quality KVIs. Increased user satisfaction, Increased network reliability.
Use Case Alignment with UN SDGs
UC-CITIES-2 leverages Industry 5.0, automation, and advanced connectivity to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable logistics systems in smart cities, directly advancing SDGs on economic growth, innovation, sustainable cities, and responsible production.
Automation and Industry 5.0 principles increase productivity, efficiency, and safety in logistics, supporting economic growth and the creation of high-quality jobs (Target 8.2).
The use of Industry 5.0 principles and advanced networks (5G/6G) in automated logistics enhances industrial efficiency, integrates sustainable practices, and promotes innovative infrastructure in urban environments (Target 9.4).
Efficient, automated logistics reduce congestion, emissions, and resource waste in urban environments, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable cities (Target 11.6).
Optimized logistics and resource management enabled by Industry 5.0 and advanced networks support sustainable production and consumption patterns (Target 12.2).
Trials
- 22 May 2025
- OTE labs
Basic trial. Movement of robot around the trials area to perform tasks, monitor network performance KPIs and analyze them.