VITAL‐5G - Automation and Remote Operation of Freight logistics

This use case demonstrates the applicability of 5G technology in an overall Logistics context, for optimizing warehousing operations through an integrated state-of-the-art operational system based on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). The main goal is to optimise warehouse operations through AGVs, to eliminate time inefficiencies. 5G connectivity will enable remote surveillance and monitoring of processes, as well as advanced AGV operations including obstacle and human avoidance and collaboration with other automated vehicles. AI and ML techniques are used to optimise the logistics processes to increase warehouse productivity by providing three added-value services: a) Autonomous pallet transport within the warehouse between input/storage/output areas, b) Follow-me function for human-robot collaboration aiming to automate order picking and c) remote operation and handling of the AGV to help in the execution of custom tasks within the warehouse. The concept of Network Applications defined in the scope of the VITAL-5G project has been used to design and develop these vertical services that support the use case.