Two robots are better than one: 5G antenna measurement research

NIST's new Large Antenna Positioning System (LAPS) has two robotic arms designed to position "smart" or adaptable antennas, which can be mounted on base stations that handle signals to and from huge numbers of devices. Future 5G systems will operate at higher frequencies and offer more than 100 times the data-carrying capacity of today's cellphones, while connecting billions of mobile broadband users in complex, crowded signal environments. Among its many special capabilities, the LAPS can test transmissions to and from antennas located on fast-moving mobile devices, which requires coordination between the timing of communication signals and robot motion. "Measurements of antenna signals are a great use for robotics," NIST electronics engineer Jeff Guerrieri said. "The robotic arms provide antenna positioning that would be constrained by conventional measurement systems."