Federated Wireless showcased how private 5G can make applications like real-time robotics and smart security cameras possible
Federated Wireless revealed that its demonstrations of a 5G private wireless network leveraging 5G-enabled IoT applications to support smart warehouse automation were deemed successful. The demos, which took place in at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Georgia in mid-April, were presented to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and military leaders, senior civilian executives and legislators. They explored several 5G-enabled IoT, ultra-low (sub-15-millisecond) latency applications including real-time robotics, smart security cameras and connected equipment like conveyance systems with scanners.
“The transformational private 5G smart warehouse network will serve as a launch pad to modernize U.S. Marine Corps operations and other DoD combat readiness facilities nationwide,” said Federated Wireless in a statement, adding that the private network will go live at the base in Albany this July.
“Our demonstration of these innovative 5G applications and use cases proves the art of the possible and marks a huge leap forward for defense logistics and, ultimately warfighter readiness,” said Kurt Schaubach, chief technology officer of Federated Wireless. “We are excited to begin working with other DoD and military leaders to extend the power of edge computing and private 5G to telehealth, training, facilities security, supply chain optimization and other mission-critical operations.”
Federated Wireless was selected as the prime contractor for the MCLBA smart warehouse 5G network. To deliver the coverage, capacity, and low latency required by the warehouse, the DoD collaborated closely with Federated Wireless and other private companies, including Cisco, JMA and KPMG, to build out the network foundation.
The demos used Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum-sharing, which according to Federated Wireless, “opens opportunities to modernize other branches of the DoD and streamline all base operations, from securing facilities and automating building maintenance to streamlining airpower operations.”
In attendance was Dr. Thomas Rondeau, the principal director for FutureG & 5G for the DoD. Following the demonstrations, Rondeau commented: “Achieving a pre-production, state-of-the-art private 5G network built solely by U.S.-based companies is an important milestone in advancing U.S. 5G competitiveness and gives the U.S. Military a key strategic advantage that can be replicated across mission-critical DoD facilities to accelerate warfighter readiness.”
