Monday 18 May, 2026
The GSMA provides the ideal environment for manufacturing experts to collaborate with leaders in mobile and connectivity, working together as members of the GSMA to explore applications of new technologies across manufacturing use cases. This article explores how connected AGVs and drones transform industrial efficiency and cut production costs.
How can automation increase industrial efficiency?
GSMA member Airbus use AGVs on the manufacturing floor alongside LIDAR technologies, which enable them to detect objects and measure distances so they can both move goods and carry out inspections. Edge computing supports the low levels of latency needed to manage an AGV or even a fleet of AGVs.
Schneider Electric, Capgemini, and Qualcomm Technologies have teamed up to create a 5G-enabled, automated hoisting system for industrial and logistics sites. This technology, developed at Schneider Electric’s hoisting lab in Grenoble, replaces traditional wired connections in industrial automation, with a private 5G network.
Automated hoisting systems enhance productivity, safety, and performance compared to manual systems, significantly reducing operational costs and carbon footprints. However, traditional wire-connected setups are complex, with various systems, like heavy machinery, monitoring cameras and PLCs, all linked through the same network. These setups require a precise, reliable, and fast network connection available 24/7.
When Midea, China Mobile and Huawei installed a 5G network in one of Midea’s washing machine factories, they were able to run 5G-connected robots and AGVs; doubling production rates, halving their inventory and cutting production costs per product by 30%. Embracing mobile technology has improved both the quality and sustainability of products while also making the factory safer by removing trailing wires. Staff can manage operations remotely, away from the factory floor, greatly improving their working conditions and allowing them to focus on more highly skilled and satisfying work.
Using drones for inspection and security
Skydio ran a series of tests of 3D scan technology with the aim of using the low latency and reliable connectivity of 5G to enable its drones to relay images and scans directly to users. Customers in this trial included Sundt Construction, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Boston Police Department, who reported up to 75% faster data capture, 50% greater inspection team output and 30% lower re-inspection rates.
Telefónica and Unmanned Life ran a similar test using 5G, edge computing and AI to power lightweight drones to fly around racks inside a warehouse or depot. Image recognition and live video could be used to update inventories in real-time, relaying the precise location of each stock item. In practice, drones would remove the need for staff to do time-consuming manual stock checks, which often result in errors and loss of revenue through inefficiency.
The 5G network allows the drones to consistently stream live video, and edge solutions coming into play will allow greater scalability and flexibility, even where multiple drones are used at the same time.
Future manufacturing is powered by its connections
The number of ultra-reliable low latency communication connections will grow exponentially from 2024-2025 and take off significantly by 2027.
Private 5G Networks in Manufacturing Market Update: 2022, ABI Research, 2022.
Join the Connected Manufacturing and Production community
Manufacturers who want to keep a competitive edge and meet ever-changing customer demand, need to embrace connectivity technologies sooner rather than later.
Connected Manufacturing and Production Community members get discounts at global events such as MWC Barcelona and MWC Las Vegas, so they can network and secure introductions to connectivity industry peers. They can also access sector-specific research and data, present at MWC global events and take mobile connectivity industry training courses.
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