Use Cases
Use cases at the fieldlabs
The 6G Fieldlabs involved in FNS have extensive experience in supporting use cases. Below is a brief overview of several use cases the fieldlabs have previously worked on.
Navion
Vector Machines BV is developing an autonomous tool carrier capable of performing outdoor tasks independently using AI, sensors, robotics, and machine learning. Together with Batenburg Beenen, the company focuses on achieving precise navigation in complex environments where GNSS is insufficient, such as greenhouses or solar parks. By combining LiDAR, vision, and positioning technologies into one reliable fusion signal, a robust SLAM navigation system is being developed.
The role of 5G in this project primarily concerns fast, reliable, and real-time data connections between autonomous machines, sensors, and cloud systems. 5G enables the transmission and processing of sensor and fusion data with minimal delay (low latency), which is essential for accurate positioning and safe navigation. In addition, 5G supports edge computing, where data is analyzed locally (at the ‘edge’ of the network) to enable immediate decision-making in the field.
With the arrival of 6G, these capabilities will be further enhanced. 6G will provide even more precise localization (down to a few centimeters) by integrating communication and positioning technologies into a single network. It will also offer higher bandwidth and even lower latency, further improving real-time mapping and control in complex environments such as densely vegetated greenhouses or urban areas. Moreover, 6G will enable seamless integration with AI and sensor networks, facilitating autonomous learning and self-optimization of navigation.
Building on the knowledge gained, Vector Machines, together with its partners, aims to establish a new company to commercialize this technology in sectors such as landscaping, horticulture, logistics, and warehousing. The project thus contributes to strengthening the manufacturing industry in the Northern Netherlands and supporting regional economic growth.
The required wireless infrastructure will be provided by ICCS in collaboration with its technology partners KPN and EuroFiber. Within ICCS and its partners, knowledge is shared regarding the potential of mobile network-based localization as additional input for the fusion algorithm. Expertise is also contributed on the capabilities of 5G/6G with respect to low latency.
PATS
In this project, 5G is used to transmit data at high speed and with high reliability. In the AgriFood greenhouse at RoboHouse, we are testing how 5G can help improve the performance and energy efficiency of our systems. Thanks to technologies such as beamforming and massive MIMO, we can measure more accurately and control more intelligently. After these tests, PATS will scale the innovative solution up to a fully operational greenhouse at Tomatoworld – an important step towards smart and sustainable agriculture.
Fieldlab: 6G Fieldlab Delft - Do Iot
Smart Potato
The "Smart Potato" project uses potatoes with built-in sensors to measure soil conditions and transmit the data via 5G. This helps farmers make better decisions for more sustainable agriculture. In addition, the project includes market research and advises actively involving farmers to encourage widespread adoption.
Fieldlab: 6G Fieldlab Groningen - ICCS
Wireless Factory
Imagine all communication in a factory—both between and within machines—being replaced by wireless 6G connections with ultra-low latency, extremely high bandwidth and high reliability, while all software intelligence from local controllers, sensors and actuators is centralized in one powerful brain. This opens up a world of possibilities for hyper-flexible industrial automation, with AI-driven insights and adaptability at an unprecedented level. Such a wireless 6G factory is exactly one of the applications FNS is focusing on.
Fieldlab: 6G Fieldlab Eindhoven - Brainport Digital Factory
Remote operation
The trials demonstrated how TNO’s ‘beyond 5G’ network can provide on-demand bandwidth guarantees through a teleoperation use case. Using user-friendly network APIs, such as CAMARA Quality-on-Demand (QoD), the team showed how vertical applications can dynamically request Quality-of-Service (QoS) guarantees from the mobile network.
Fieldlab: 6G Fieldlab The Hague - TNO
Future
In the coming years, FNS will be looking for use cases that contribute to the future of the Netherlands. In phase 2, a voucher scheme will also be introduced to encourage SMEs to get involved. Keep an eye on the homepage for updates!