May 9, 2024
blog
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being introduced to factories, creating smart factories and, in some cases, even smarter factories. To ensure optimal performance from AI, instant and reliable communication between management systems and edge products in noisy factory environments is essential for immediate response and operations. The wireless solutions deployed to maximize communications are Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, operating at 6 GHz. The solution is also proven to benefit related AI-enabled applications such as autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleet management, vision-based teleoperation, and proactive safety use cases.
To understand what it takes to make AI-enabled smart factories a reality, first identify the key challenges and then move on to how to solve those challenges.
Incredibly large amounts of data are generated, overstretching Wi-Fi bandwidth and throughput. By 2025, large amounts of data (some estimates say 175 zettabytes) will be generated for AI modeling and training1. Some data can be processed locally at the edge, while some data is transferred to remote management systems that use machine learning to improve algorithms. Streaming large-scale data over wireless media requires reliable and maximized bandwidth and throughput.
AMR wireless connectivity must pass through many obstacles on the factory floor. Environmental information is often updated by the AMR and sent to remote fleet management systems where AI models are computed and deployed to optimize mission control. Because AMRs typically operate within large warehouses, long-range wireless connectivity is required to ensure that AMRs operate on the most efficient routes to their destinations.
Keep in mind that the intense data processing associated with edge AI can consume large amounts of power, reduce runtime for battery-powered AMRs, and generate extra heat in all types of designs. Therefore, it is important to save energy in every possible way to improve AMR productivity.
Slow response times can damage equipment and jeopardize worker safety. For example, vision-based remote control applications typically require high-speed synchronized remote control, real-time video streaming, and accurate feedback. Delayed response due to inadequate wireless communication facilities can cause damage. As far as humans are concerned, cameras are used to monitor for possible dangers. Slow response times due to network delays can be detrimental to the protection of workers and bystanders alike.
High data rate streaming
Let's discuss how to solve these problems. Processing the vast amounts of data generated by AI algorithms requires high streaming data rates to remote management systems. Infineon's AIROC™ CYW5557x Wi-Fi 6 family can stream data at up to 1.2 Gbps, ensuring that critical information is fully transferred in minimal time.
Stay connected even from one corner of your factory
It's important to stay connected. This connection can become difficult as the robot moves to the edge of the warehouse and far from the access point. The Infineon CYW5557x family includes a “Range Boost” feature that enhances Wi-Fi coverage, giving it over 70% greater range than its competitors' Wi-Fi 6 products. This feature allows robots to travel further without worrying about losing connectivity to the network. AMR can also send and receive data in real-time from remote servers, allowing for smooth deployment of AI models and optimizing AMR mission control.
Maximize AMR productivity
Since AMRs are typically powered by batteries, their productivity depends on operating time, so energy conservation is essential. Infineon AIROC™ CYW5557x features multiple advanced power-saving features that optimize not only Wi-Fi operation but also the power consumption of the entire AMR system without sacrificing network wireless connectivity.
run in real time
Real-time operation is a key element in vision-based remote control applications. Real-time video streaming from multiple cameras and immediate and accurate feedback and control from the machine are often required. Because this information is streamed wirelessly, it is subject to delays due to interference and other environmental factors. The newly opened 6Ghz band supported by the CYW5557x family offers greater bandwidth and relatively less interference from other wireless transmitters, which significantly improves latency and eliminates network jams that were common with 2.4 GHz networks. up is avoided.
Immunity from interference in noisy factory environments
Factory environments are also known to be noisy. Many machines are in operation, producing EMI and various radio signals reflecting off walls and causing interference. The CYW5557x family has the ability to withstand this type of narrowband and wideband interference and system noise with advanced noise/interference mitigation features.
End-to-end security for edge devices
From a security perspective, product design often focuses on protecting the MPU and APU and ignores other components that may be susceptible to attack. Infineon's advanced security architecture deploys multiple layers of protection to enhance end-to-end security for edge devices. Advanced security protection includes all radio and various subsystem protections throughout the product lifecycle. These features include secure boot, firmware encryption and authentication, crypto offload, cryptographic key management, rollback prevention, and lifecycle management. Having multiple redundant levels of protection greatly reduces the vulnerability of industrial products.
When it comes to powering your Wi-Fi 6 smart factory network, it's clear that you have options. Choose the option that offers the highest bandwidth, lowest latency and highest level of security, namely Infineon's CYW5557x family.
1Turbocharge Real-Time AI Performance Webinar for Industrial Applications: Aspencore, November 15, 2023
Mei-Ling Chiang is a seasoned product marketing professional with expertise in the wireless industry. Throughout her career, she has deployed numerous wireless devices equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 15.4, Sub-G, or LoRa technology to serve the IoT, smart home, consumer, and AI markets. We have successfully launched our products. With her strategic thinking and customer-centric approach, she identifies market opportunities and develops compelling value propositions.
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