Connectivity provider Freshwave has teamed up with the National Robotarium in Edinburgh to enhance agritech innovation with the deployment of a portable 5G private network. This collaboration aims to drive productivity and sustainability in the growing agritech industry, which is projected to reach £15.6 billion by 2026 The National Robotarium – a research facility located […]
Connectivity provider Freshwave has teamed up with the National Robotarium in Edinburgh to enhance agritech innovation with the deployment of a portable 5G private network.
This collaboration aims to drive productivity and sustainability in the growing agritech industry, which is projected to reach £15.6 billion by 2026
The National Robotarium – a research facility located at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus specialising in robotics and AI – will use the 5G network to test advanced robotics technologies, including the first robot in the project: Spot, a quadruped robot developed by Boston Dynamics. Spot is being evaluated to meet a need for an unnamed National Robotarium customer.
Boston Dynamics Spot
This robot will assist in agricultural tasks such as streaming live video, performing 3D mapping, and conducting infrared assessments in the field. The real-time data Spot gathers is designed to support more efficient agricultural practices, improving productivity and sustainability.
The new tractors?
According to Steve Maclaren, COO at the National Robotarium, robots could be as transformational to farming as tractors have been, provided they have access to the right networks to power their data-drive approach.
“This portable 5G private network is going to allow us to unlock exciting new applications for our customers.
“One day we’ll see multiple robots in the field working together on different tasks, from weed removal to nutrient-analysis to pesticide application, creating a co-bot (human and robots working together) workforce to achieve results that simply aren’t possible without harnessing technology. It’s truly a gamechanger and the future of agritech.”
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According to Freshwave, the portable 5G private network is particularly beneficial for the agritech sector, providing reliable high-speed internet in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband options are limited.
Precision agriculture
The neutral-host private networks provider claims that the connectivity will allow real-time data collection and analysis, enabling faster decision-making in precision agriculture, such as crop monitoring and equipment adjustments.
The firm claims that the flexibility of the portable network is another key advantage, as it can be easily relocated for seasonal or shifting agricultural needs.
Steve Maclaren COO, National Robotarium (L) with Freshwave CTO Tom Bennett (R)
Funded as part of the £1.5 billion Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, the Robotarium is backed by the UK and Scottish governments, with a focus on creating solutions that address global challenges through AI and robotics.
Freshwave’s portable network, which was deployed in just days, uses spectrum secured from Ofcom. It can be easily moved and powered by a generator.
The 5G private network has been deployed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Robotarium and Freshwave and will see the two organisations collaborate in testing robotics on private 5G networks on an ongoing basis.
