Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLWireless technologies, and wireless communication in particular, play a central role in the implementation of automated systems. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) used in intralogistics, production, or on company premises must be able to transmit data quickly and reliably and communicate with sensors, actuators, and control units.
Wireless communication
Wireless communication in logistics
Wireless communication plays a crucial role in logistics and forms the foundation for digital and automated processes. Advances such as 5G, 6G, edge computing, and digital twins enable real-time data flows, which can improve warehouse management, transportation, and transparent supply chains. At the same time, the complexity of these systems poses challenges regarding interoperability and data management. Security concerns in an increasingly connected world are intensifying the pressure on companies to develop robust solutions.
In intralogistics in particular, autonomous systems and real-time tracking can be revolutionized by high-performance networks such as 5G campus networks. Our expertise in implementing wireless communication technologies enables us to design industrial campus networks efficiently. By virtualizing robotics applications and orchestrating services at the edge, we offer solutions that are not only flexible but also enable seamless integration into existing systems. In this way, we help companies successfully meet the challenges of digital transformation and sustainably increase their efficiency.
Our services
We view wireless communication technologies as key to digital transformation in logistics and provide support for the deployment and commissioning of wireless communication technologies, as well as for the adaptation and optimization of existing integrations.
Learn more about the possibilities for your company!
Comprehensive support in the field of wireless communication
Our services encompass both professional and technical expertise to promote connectivity and efficiency in complex, networked systems. We offer:
- Consulting, setup, and commissioning of wireless communication technologies and environments
- Measurements of antenna performance, signal strength, and technical shielding
- Testing and commissioning of wireless communication systems for electronics and robotics
- Development and testing of 5G/6G network technologies for industrial applications
- RF-based localization
- Testing/evaluation of wireless radio components
- (Automatic) service orchestration at the edge
- Development of cloud/edge/distribution concepts
- Research on novel mobile communication pathways
We leverage our experience and insights from numerous research and industry projects to build and expand the communication infrastructure of industrial systems with a focus on interoperability and security.
From 5G to 6G
The 6th generation of mobile communications (6G) is regarded as the future nervous system of our society and represents far more than just a further development of existing technologies. A sustainable design of 6G requires a holistic consideration of a wide variety of influencing factors and societal challenges – from production and logistics to privacy and security. Energy efficiency is also coming into focus, particularly in the context of climate change.
Research into 6G aims to develop secure, open, and resource-efficient mobile communication systems that enable extremely high data rates, very low latencies, and high positioning accuracy. The focus is on users’ needs for self-determination, privacy, security, and sustainability. Additionally, the goal is to create innovative technologies for socially and industrially relevant applications and to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.
“The integration of 5G and future 6G technologies into industrial applications opens up entirely new possibilities for real-time interactions and the automation of complex logistics processes. In doing so, we are setting the course for a hyper-connected and efficient industrial world.
Julia Freytag, Research Associate in the Wireless Communication Research Field
Research in wireless communication
Our research priorities form the foundation for innovative solutions in industrial logistics and enable the secure, efficient, and flexible design of modern production and supply chains:
- 5G/6G network technologies for industrial applications
Development and deployment of the latest mobile communication standards to optimize industrial processes. - Security and Data Protection in campus networks
Research into protection mechanisms for internal corporate networks and sensitive data. - Digital twins in industry
Modeling and simulation of production facilities to increase efficiency and prevent errors. - Virtualization techniques for robotics applications
Use of software solutions for the flexible control and management of robotic systems. - Cloud/Edge Computing
Use of distributed computing resources for real-time processing and analysis of logistics data. - Orchestration
Automated coordination and management of IT resources and processes in logistics. - Interoperability of communication protocols
Ensuring seamless collaboration between different systems and standards. - M2M communication protocols
Development and optimization of protocols for direct communication between machines. - AI for optimizing robotic process automation (RPA) and automation
Use of artificial intelligence to increase the efficiency and automation of processes.
Campus networks for intralogistics
Private 5G campus networks offer significant advantages for intralogistics, particularly due to low latency and high bandwidth. They enable real-time communication between autonomous vehicles, warehouse management systems, and control technologies, thereby improving efficiency and precision in logistics processes.
3 benefits of private 5G campus networks for intralogistics:
- Real-time communication: Enables fast and precise interaction between autonomous vehicles, warehouse management systems, and control systems, thereby optimizing workflows.
- High reliability and security: Dedicated radio frequencies and guaranteed bandwidths ensure an interference-free connection, even under demanding conditions indoors and outdoors.
- Increased efficiency: Improved data transmission and networking contribute to greater precision and more efficient use of resources.
Research infrastructure for wireless communication
Technologies such as 5G and 6G open up new possibilities for communication, enable faster and more reliable connections, and are crucial to the success of modern applications in robotics and automation. The research infrastructure at Fraunhofer IML is designed for the research and development of concepts for wireless communication.
Anechoic chamber
The anechoic chamber is a shielded chamber in which measurements are performed on electronic components to determine their emissions and susceptibility to interference (EMC). In this environment, end-to-end wireless communication tests can also be conducted, analyzing aspects such as functionality, channel, bandwidth, and signal strength. This allows for the precise evaluation of the characteristics and performance of wireless systems under controlled conditions.
PACE Lab
The PACE Lab (Positioning Accuracy Communication Evaluation) at Fraunhofer IML is a globally unique research infrastructure for the development of autonomous systems in logistics. It offers high-precision real-time data acquisition with sub-millimeter-accurate visualization and serves as a test environment for technologies such as 5G communication, motion capture, and autonomous systems like mobile robots and drones. In two test halls, both basic research and specific applications are investigated to develop innovative solutions for automation and human-technology interaction.
5G campus network
Our research infrastructure offers a 5G campus network with both indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for cross-domain scenarios. In this test environment, AGVs have already been equipped with 5G technology, and functional and load tests have been conducted.
Wireless communication: our references
Research on ad-hoc 5G campus networks
The Plan & Play project developed and validated innovative methods for ad-hoc planning and the temporary deployment of 5G campus networks, particularly for applications in intralogistics and at large-scale events. A key outcome is the 5G Campus Network Planner Pro, an AI-based network planning tool that has been successfully tested and further developed in multiple real-world environments.
Research on 6G
The 6GEM+ research project aims to develop the sixth generation of mobile communications and combines this with the targeted transfer of new technologies into applications such as industrial automation, logistics, mobility, and rescue robotics. It focuses on challenges such as extremely low latency, high reliability, and the integration of AI and real-time communication to overcome the limitations of the current 5G standard and create innovative solutions.
Adaptive planning of 5G campus networks
The ADAPT research project is developing an adaptive network planning and operations tool for 5G/6G campus networks that enables automated, resilient, and secure communication through digital twins, AI-supported optimization, and flexible network infrastructure. The goal is to adapt campus networks in real time to changing requirements in production and logistics while ensuring maximum efficiency, security, and reliability.
Wireless communication for hyper-digital intralogistics
FAQ on wireless communication
How does wireless communication work?
Wireless communication involves the transmission of data via electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, microwaves, or infrared light, without physical connections like cables. These waves carry digital signals between the transmitter and receiver. Technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth rely on specific frequency bands and protocols for this transmission.
What are the applications of wireless communication?
Wireless communication is used in areas such as industrial networking (Industry 4.0) and the IoT (Internet of Things). It is also used for television signals, navigation (GPS), and wireless power transmission. This flexibility drives progress in communication and automation.
How does M2M communication work?
Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication uses wireless or wired networks to exchange data between devices without human intervention. Through standards such as 5G, Wi-Fi, or specially developed protocols, sensors, actuators, and network modules enable effective real-time communication. This technology is indispensable in industrial automation and intelligent transportation systems, for example.
When will 6G be released?
6G technologies are expected to become available around 2030, with initial development projects and limited test deployments already underway in the late 2020s. 6G promises even higher speeds and lower latency, supported by technologies such as artificial intelligence and the expanded use of terahertz waves.
What is a 5G campus network?
A 5G campus network is a local, often privately operated network based on 5G technology and specifically designed to meet the needs of a business. It enables secure, high-performance data transmission for applications such as Industry 4.0 or smart logistics systems within a defined area. Such networks offer advantages such as low latency, high bandwidth through custom configurations, and data sovereignty.