Decentralized System Synchronization among Collaborative Robots via 5G Technology

In this article, we propose a distributed synchronization solution to achieve decentralized coordination in a system of collaborative robots. This is done by leveraging cloud-based computing and 5G technology to exchange causal ordering messages between the robots, eliminating the need for centralized control entities or programmable logic controllers in the system. The proposed solution is described, mathematically formulated, implemented in software, and validated over realistic network conditions. Further, the performance of the decentralized solution via 5G technology is compared to that achieved with traditional coordinated/uncoordinated cabled control systems. The results indicate that the proposed decentralized solution leveraging cloud-based 5G wireless is scalable to systems of up to 10 collaborative robots with comparable efficiency to that from standard cabled systems. The proposed solution has direct application in the control of producer–consumer and automated assembly line robotic applications.