6G Sunrise Use Case 2: LTU and Oulu Push Boundaries with Autonomous Robot Network Testing in Tunnels
In February 2025, OULU University visited the Luleå University of Technology to complete the installation and a series of advanced network tests to evaluate the performance of autonomous robots in controlled tunnel environments.
The tests focused on various network configurations, power levels, and antenna settings to optimize data transmission and reception for autonomous operations.
RF and Network Performance Evaluation
The high-priority tests were designed to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) related to radio frequency (RF) and network parameters. These included:
Downlink (DL) oriented network tests: Conducted using a single power level and modulation, with one measurement per tunnel.
Uplink (UL) oriented network tests: Performed at two different power levels and three modulation settings, with two measurements per tunnel.
These tests focused on evaluating RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, SINR, latency, and throughput to establish optimal configurations for autonomous robots operating underground.
Data Streaming and Reflector Evaluation
Additional tests were conducted to assess the network’s ability to handle real-time data streaming and performance under different conditions:
Dummy data streaming to the EDGE server: Utilizing UL-oriented networks, these tests determined the best power level and modulation with three uplink data stream rates (20, 50, and 90 Mbps). Each tunnel underwent three measurements.
Reflector testing: Evaluated the impact of signal reflectors on UL-oriented networks. This included different uplink data stream rates (20, 50, 90 Mbps + dynamic adjustments) and further latency and delay analysis.
LiDAR/Camera Edge Processing Offloading
The final phase of testing involved offloading LiDAR and camera processing to an EDGE server, optimizing data handling for autonomous robot operations. This included:
The best power and modulation levels, as determined by previous RF measurements.
Three uplink data stream rates (20, 50, 90 Mbps + dynamic adjustments).
Three measurements per tunnel.
SUNRISE-6G Use Case 2: https://sunrise6g.eu/use-case-2-collaborative-robotic-exploration-of-mining-environments/
Key Findings and Next Steps
The tests provided valuable insights into how network configurations impact autonomous robot functionality in tunnel environments. LTU and OULU researchers have gathered crucial data for enhancing network infrastructure to support reliable autonomous operations by assessing latency, errors, packet loss, and throughput.
Moving forward, LTU and Oulu plan to analyse the collected data further (next test cycle in June 2025) to refine network settings, improve EDGE processing efficiency, and explore the potential for integrating enhancements such as dynamic rate adjustments and enhanced reflector utilisation.
The successful completion of these tests represents a significant step toward advancing autonomous robotic systems in challenging underground environments. The ongoing EU SUNRISE-6 G project will pave the way for improved industrial and commercial applications.
