Adaptive network reliability for human-robot interaction in beyond 5G industrial applications

Wireless private networks based on 5G (and beyond) connectivity represent a flexible high capacity solution for future smart industrial environments. In this context, the presence of both humans and robots introduces extremely high reliability requirements in network control and management, for safety reasons. In this paper, a novel technique is described, based on real-time, dynamic management of radio bearer redundancy according to reciprocal human-robot positions, that is shown to improve network availability and reliability with the purpose of safe mobility in the industrial environment. Results obtained by simulation show that the current number of radio bearers supported by 5G radio systems may not be sufficient to meet stringent reliability requirements of critical applications.