Designing RF for AMRs and Cobots: Interference, Handover, Uptime

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots rely on continuous connectivity. As factories adopt private 5G and Wi-Fi 7, RF design becomes a critical success factor. Coverage gaps, interference, and poor handover can cause costly downtime or collisions.

1. Map the Environment

Conduct a full RF site survey. Identify metal structures, moving obstacles, and reflective surfaces. Simulate signal propagation in 3D to optimize antenna placement.

2. Plan for Handover

AMRs must move seamlessly between access points or cells. In 5G, use dual connectivity (EN-DC) to maintain two simultaneous links during transition. Configure hysteresis thresholds to avoid ping-pong handovers.

3. Manage Interference

• Use directional antennas to focus coverage zones.
• Separate control and video frequencies (e.g., n78 vs n77 bands).
• Coordinate channel reuse to prevent overlap.

4. Redundancy and QoS

Configure redundant base stations with overlapping coverage. Apply QoS Class Identifier (QCI) profiles tailored for AMRs and cobots — e.g., latency class 1 for control, class 4 for diagnostics.

Case Example: Logistics Warehouse

A warehouse with 200 AMRs deployed a private 5G system with four microcells. After optimizing antenna orientation, packet loss fell from 3% to 0.2%, and robot downtime dropped by 70%.

Related Articles

• URLLC, Slicing, and TSN Integration: What Matters for Robots
• Private 5G on the Shop Floor: When Wi-Fi Isn’t Enough
• How to Run a 5G Pilot in a Factory in 60 Days

Conclusion

RF engineering for AMRs and cobots is not just about coverage — it’s about predictability. Well-designed 5G or Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure ensures stable mobility, precise handover, and maximum uptime in dynamic factory environments.