Veriflex5G
Duration:
08/2025
—
07/2027
Total Time:
2 Years
Monitoring data is transmitted reliably, securely and in real time from industrial robot systems via 5G networks, Photo: JOANNEUM RESEARCH/Weltin
The Project
In the VeriFlex5G project, we are developing a secure, 5G-based monitoring system for industrial robotics that transmits critical data quickly and securely, reduces downtime and closes security gaps. Our goal is to transmit safety-critical monitoring data reliably, with low latency and protected from attacks, in order to minimise downtime and ensure the integrity of the systems. In doing so, we specifically evaluate security gaps in the areas of safety and security and develop appropriate protective measures.
Our activities within the project
We provide robotics equipment, modern laboratory facilities and our expertise in robot-based application development and verification. Together with our project partners, we develop methods for runtime monitoring of robot systems whose component communication is implemented with 5G technologies. One focus is on the analysis of monitoring data, taking into account security-critical aspects. We evaluate potential security gaps and derive appropriate protective measures from this.
Research groups
Downloads
Sponsors
FFG
Project Partners
ABZ Informatik
SEC Consult Deutschland Unternehmensberatung GmbH
SEC Consult Unternehmensberatung GmbH
Project Details
The VeriFlex5G project is dedicated to the question of how monitoring data from industrial robot systems can be transmitted reliably, securely and in real time via 5G networks. Robots are a central element in modern manufacturing, increasingly also in direct collaboration with humans. Their correct functioning is crucial for productivity, safety and quality. At the same time, the use of 5G networks for communication opens up completely new possibilities, but also brings new risks, such as cyber attacks or faulty configurations.
Based on this starting point, we are working with our partners to develop a practical use case: In a laboratory environment, we are setting up an industrial robot system with various robots, sensors and automation systems. This system continuously generates monitoring data that describes the system status. We develop methods to collect, analyse and securely transmit this data in real time. This also includes defining protection classes for the data in accordance with common standards such as ISO 27001 and developing suitable anonymisation and encryption techniques.
A particular focus is on testing the 5G infrastructure: we are investigating the advantages of 5G networks in terms of bandwidth, latency and flexibility, but also where potential vulnerabilities lie. To this end, we simulate targeted attack scenarios on typical 5G components such as gNodeB, container infrastructures and 5G core management in order to identify potential threats and develop defensive measures. These tests enable us to precisely determine both the performance and security requirements for the use of 5G in security-critical production environments
With VeriFlex5G, we are not only contributing to the technological advancement of monitoring and communication systems in industry, but also to raising awareness of security aspects and the sustainable integration of 5G into industrial applications.
Our Project Partners
Project Participants
