NEC, Toyota affiliate develop wireless control system for cars and other moving objects in factories

NEC Corp and Toyota Technical Development Corp (TTDC) have announced the development of a stable wireless control system for cars and other moving objects in factories and warehouses.

This system pairs NEC Wireless-connection Stabilization Software (NOTE) with communication modules developed by TTDC, which are then mounted onto cars, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and the like to ensure stable communication that is free from disruptions and interference. By resolving these issues of roaming-based communication with moving objects, the developed system enables real-time data acquisition and command transmission, helping to increase the productivity and efficiency of production sites.

This system has already been introduced at the Motomachi Plant of Toyota Motor Corp and is contributing to efforts to boost productivity using wireless communication inside the plant.

The two companies intend to apply the knowledge gained through this partnership to systems that perform wireless control of AGVs, machine tools, robots, and the like, collect inspection data, and transmit programs for Toyota Motor Corporation and other customers in the manufacturing field.

The digital transformation (DX) of the manufacturing field through automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) is accelerating as companies aim to boost productivity and respond to growing labor shortages. In particular, there is an increasing need for highly reliable and low-delay wireless communication systems for AGVs and robots used over wide areas or across different processes. Stable wireless communication is recognized as a serious issue in factories and warehouses that are full of equipment and facilities that block radio waves and make flexible changes in production lines difficult.

This system developed by NEC and TTDC realizes stable communication with moving objects by maintaining strong wireless reception, identifying low-interference communication paths with other wireless devices in real time, and seamlessly switching to these paths.

Source: NEC

© Japan Today