Autonomous Factory with Private 5G and Edge AI

[Cengiz Özemli]

## Autonomous Factory with Private 5G and Edge AI

Qualcomm Technologies and Siemens have demonstrated an autonomous manufacturing system by combining private industrial 5G networks with on-premise artificial intelligence solutions. This new system enables faster decision-making and enhanced coordination between factory machines and robots.

### Autonomous Manufacturing with Private Industrial 5G

Modern manufacturing facilities rely on distributed production cells, mobile robots, and automated material handling systems. These systems require seamless communication with low latency and reliable connectivity in dynamic industrial environments.

In the demonstration, Siemens provides a private Industrial 5G infrastructure powered by Qualcomm technology. Private 5G enables the establishment of dedicated wireless networks in manufacturing facilities, offering deterministic performance, low latency, and enhanced security compared to public networks.

The wireless system connects automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic assembly stations, and production cells within a model factory environment.

### Instant Decision Making with On-Premise AI

Beyond connectivity, the demonstration highlights the importance of AI used within the factory. AI models running on Siemens' industrial PC (IPC) hardware with the Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Accelerator Card process data on-premise.

The AI agent continuously analyzes data from the production environment to assess system conditions and detect potential issues. When anomalies occur, the system evaluates possible causes and suggests solutions without relying on a central cloud or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

Local AI processing shortens response times and ensures that sensitive production data remains within the factory network.

### Coordinated Robotics and Quality Control

The demonstration features an automated guided vehicle (AGV) transporting materials via the private 5G network. The AGV communicates with a robotic arm performing assembly tasks, enabling coordination between mobile and fixed production systems.

Additionally, AI-powered real-time process quality control and monitoring of production statuses are processed directly at the edge using the high-performance inference capabilities of the Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 platform.

### Technical Specifications

• Private Industrial 5G network infrastructure
• Connectivity powered by Qualcomm technology
• Low latency and high security
• Siemens industrial PC (IPC) hardware
• Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Accelerator Card
• Real-time AI analysis and anomaly detection
• Automated guided vehicles (AGV) and robotic arm integration
• High-performance AI processing capabilities at the edge

### Industrial Connectivity and AI Integration

Siemens and Qualcomm have been collaborating on private 5G technologies in industrial environments for years. This integrated approach enables manufacturing systems to dynamically respond to operational changes.

Factories are moving towards flexible production architectures that provide high reliability and safety through autonomous coordination of machines and robots. These systems are becoming increasingly important for data-driven and automated production processes.