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Transforming Heavy Machinery Control in Remote Locations

The Challenge: Reliable Connectivity for Remote Industrial Operations

Industrial operations, from mining to construction, take place in remote environments. Isolated sites and difficulty accessing reliable connectivity can present challenges in ensuring workforce productivity and safety. As a result, there has been a growing trend towards the remote control of heavy machinery, reducing the risks associated with hazardous sites. Imagine a racing simulator with several screens. This setup enables precise machine control, replicating the experience of operating machinery directly from the cab. A large manufacturer is at the forefront of this innovation, producing equipment such as diggers, lift trucks, wheel loaders, and excavators – completely unmanned and equipped with remote-control technology. Here’s the challenge: for these systems to perform at their peak, operators need reliable network coverage. In this case, the manufacturer needed a link between a trailer, containing command-and-control systems, and a job site.

The Solution: Dual 5G Routers with Bonded Connections

In search of a solution for trailer-to-machine connectivity, they reached out to Network Innovations. Following a review of the client’s operational needs, Peplink’s BR2 Pro 5G router was found to be the best fit for the job – providing high-speed, multi-WAN internet connectivity.

When operating in areas with unreliable connectivity, having multiple connections is necessary for a stable network. As the central hub, the BR2 Pro bonds and delegates network traffic through different connections for improved network efficiency. Specific connections are also designated as backups. If the main connection goes dark, the backup fails over instantly.

The connection is also crucial in achieving situational awareness for safety. In this case, crane diggers equipped with cameras provide a clear operational view of activity in the field. Now, there is the infrastructure to facilitate the stream of live video back to the control trailer.

“By integrating multiple cellular connections into a single robust link, our client has accurate control of their equipment. This enhanced system ensures seamless communication between the control units and the machinery.”
– Edwin Sanders, Pre-Sales Manager at Network Innovation

The Outcome: A Reliable System for Machine-to-Machine Control and Connectivity

Network Innovations acted as a partner in all stages of implementation, from identifying the need to installation of the routers and testing. Thanks to this solution, the manufacturer and their end users have a reliable system for machine-to-machine control and connectivity:

  • Seamless network failover capabilities with Peplink SpeedFusion.
  • Centralized connectivity management and performance monitoring via Peplink cloud management InControl 2.
  • Unified support for each stage of implementation and maintenance.

Workers on the remote site can now count on fast and secure internet. They can confidently operate and are better equipped for the exchange of key information between teams and personnel.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities to Evolve

There are opportunities to evolve this solution to accommodate more challenging areas:

  • Paired with Network Innovations’ uLINK SIM cards, Peplink users can access multiple network operators using a single SIM.
  • Combining Peplink’s bonding technology with Starlink’s business satellite service boosts network coverage in areas where cellular is unreliable.

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