The Robot Report

ForwardX and TCL Implement the First 5G AMR Deployment

Organization: ForwardX Robotics
Country: China
Website: en.forwardx.com
Year Founded: 2016
Number of Employees: 101-500

ForwardX's 5G AMR deployment in TCL's Huizhou factory allows for increased flexibility.

Description:
RBRlogoForwardX’s deployment at TCL’s Huizhou factory involves dozens of ForwardX’s Max 300 Lift autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) connected and communicating with a 5G network. ForwardX’s AMRs are being used to move materials across the facility. 

ForwardX’s AMRs offer 360º obstacle detection and avoidance, making it ideal for busy facilities. The 5G connectivity connects to the AMRs wherever they are in the facility, regardless of blindspots in wifi coverage.

Analysis:
ForwardX’s deployment marks one of the first 5G AMR deployments. 5G makes AMRs more flexible, especially in environments that are wrought with wifi blind spots. The company faced a challenge when implementing at TCL’s factory and operations center. Not only is it the central point of TCL’s global supply chain and manufacturing, it also has the second largest production capacity in the world.


The companies decided to use 5G as part of TCL’s 5G+ Smart Factory Initiative. Since implementing the AMRs, the factory has seen improved productivity, less labor dependency and quicker inventory turnover. Additionally, ForwardX’s robots offered TCL the guarantee of safety the company needed to put robots on the floor of such a busy factory. - Brianna Wessling

 
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