Belaz completed the test area infrastructure with Belarusian infrastructure operator Cloud Technologies (beCloud) and Russian digital solution provider VIST Group (affiliated to Zyfra Group).
This project combines 5G technology of beCloud and LTE Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) network, which is the embryonic form of 5G network in the future. LTE-A Pro is a step forward in the development of 5G. It has faster speed, wider bandwidth and less latency. These characteristics are extremely important for automated vehicles because the scanning and analysis system of the surrounding terrain environment transmits data with minimum delay.
Mikhail Duk, Vice President of BeCloud Telecommunications Technology, said: "5G is not only an accelerated 4G, but also a major technological progress in the coming decades. Strictly speaking, 5G is not just a new set of frequencies, but an integrated platform that makes more effective use of wireless network functions.
"Three years ago, beCloud was the first company to launch 4G LTE Advanced. Today, in partnership with Belaz, we are demonstrating technology that is steadily evolving based on 4G and will rely on 5G to achieve it. Flexible 5G technology signal delay is small, bandwidth and energy efficiency is high, its interface will provide strong support for our technology application.
In Belaz's recent pilot project, beCloud experts are trying to reduce the response time of automation devices to 10-11 milliseconds, which is less than the data in the 4G network, but larger than the expected value in the future 5G network. The team is also continuing to fine-tune the equipment and optimize communication channels for optimal performance.
The goal of the 5G trial is to create a solution that can be used throughout the industry.
Alexander Botvinnik, Assistant General Manager of Belaz Information Technology, said: "IT technology is still in development. We used to run under 4G standards, but now we have tested mining automation projects under a new 5G standard.
"Our trucks are equipped with hundreds of sensors that generate TB-based information every year, allowing us to monitor truck operations anywhere in the world.
"The future development is inseparable from 5G. Soon, with big data, analysis and machine learning technology, we will be able to provide users with new intelligent services to ensure the efficient operation of mining trucks, and predict vehicle maintenance according to actual needs rather than rigid regulations.
