5G in Construction: from Deployment to Evaluation for Robotic Applications

A stable, low-latency, and high-bandwidth communication infrastructure is indispensable for effective teleoperation or automated control of construction machinery. Despite the vital importance of this aspect, limited exploration has been undertaken thus far. Our work presents a comprehensive study that begins by detailing the strategic deployment of a 5G network, underscoring its tailored features and functionalities designed specifically to meet the demanding requirements of construction sites. Through a series of diverse experiments involving different types of full-scale construction machines, we vividly demonstrate the tangible benefits of 5G technology in this context. Leveraging comparative studies with WiFi technology and real-world tests, this methodology highlights the improvements in communication facilitated by 5G networks. This holistic exploration not only fills a critical gap in understanding the potential of 5G in construction machinery communication but also offers a roadmap for leveraging this technology to further develop the construction industry.