Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
Research project "5G.NAMICO"
Remote-controlled construction machines are increasingly being used in both the construction and mining sectors, and these require reliable communication via mobile communications. Especially in this sector, which has a high number of industrial accidents, a functioning and fast network is of utmost importance. The use of 5G offers new possibilities in the creation of safety concepts based on continuous real-time localization of all people and machines on the construction site or in the mine. In this way, workplace accidents can significantly be reduced and machines operated more reliably.
Our solution
As part of the 5G NAMICO research project, 5G is also to be used in the construction and mining sectors of the future. Based on the findings from previous projects such as the 5G-Industry Campus Europe, a 5G network is now to be installed on a reference construction site and in an underground mine to harness the benefits of the technology. One challenge here is the adverse and changing environments: dust, vibration and humidity bring demands on a dynamic 5G network, which must withstand harsh operational conditions. 5G technology, which was developed for use in industrial environments and open areas, must therefore be developed further. The use of 5G in construction and mining has the potential to automate processes and reduce the workload of personnel. A prerequisite for this is the development of enhanced safety concepts that protect people in partially and fully automated processes, while at the same time achieving progress in digital transformation.
To use in the future 5G on construction sites and in mining, the project will first look at selected use cases that deal with the automation of individual work processes and the safety aspect.
Project consortium
- RWTH Aachen, Lehrstuhl für individualisierte Bauproduktion IP
- RWTH Aachen, Lehrstuhl für nachhaltige Rohstoffgewinnung MRE
- Construction Robotics GmbH, Aachen
- Nerospec SK GmbH, Velbert-Langenberg
Associates
- Kabelwerk Eupen AG, Eupen, Belgium
- Ericsson GmbH, Herzogenrath
- GHH Fahrzeuge GmbH, Gelsenkirchen
- BAT Bergbau Service GmbH, Merkers-Kieselbach
- BROKK DA GmbH, Friedenweiler
- Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
- PORR AG, WienFunding notice
Project duration
01.01.2022 - 31.12.2023
The "5G Namico" project is funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia through the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy with the funding code 005-2108-0111.