Large-scale warehouse environment with high ceilings, extensive racking, automated conveyor and sorting systems, autonomous vehicles, and high device density operating under continuous 24/7 conditions.
Amazon is one of the world’s largest e-commerce and logistics organisations, operating hundreds of fulfilment and distribution centres globally. Its UK network includes some of the most advanced automated warehouses in Europe, designed to process millions of customer orders with extreme speed and accuracy.
The Challenge
Amazon operates highly automated fulfilment centres that rely on resilient, high-performance wireless connectivity to support robotic systems, handheld devices, automated sortation, and real-time inventory management.
At one of its major UK fulfilment centres, Amazon experienced intermittent disruption affecting a newly deployed, multi-million-pound automated sorting system. The issue posed a risk of operational delays and reduced throughput. Initial investigations confirmed the problem was caused by external (non-Wi-Fi) RF interference, but the precise source could not be identified using standard survey tools.
To resolve the issue quickly and minimise operational risk, Amazon engaged Dynamic Technologies Europe to perform a detailed spectrum analysis and root-cause investigation.
The Solution
Dynamic Technologies Europe conducted a full RF spectrum analysis using advanced spectrum analysers specifically suited for complex industrial environments.
The interference was localised to a defined area of the fulfilment centre. Previous surveys had identified the approximate zone but were unable to determine the exact source. This information provided a strong starting point for Dynamic Technologies Europe’s engineers.
A critical component of the automation system operated within a specific section of the 5GHz band, so analysis was initially focused on that frequency range. Once the interference “signature” was identified, the scan range was progressively narrowed to isolate the source.
Multiple interfering signals were detected across the affected channels, ranging from -70dBm to -40dBm. Engineers performed a full walk-through of the area, analysing amplitude variations while eliminating harmonics and reflected signals caused by the extensive metal infrastructure within the facility.
Due to the high level of RF reflection from racking, machinery, and conveyor systems, a detailed and methodical investigation was required to accurately pinpoint the offending device.
The Results
Once the source was identified, the suspected device was powered down and monitored in real time to confirm the interference was eliminated.
The analysis revealed the interference was being generated by PIR sensors embedded within third-party hardware devices operating in the same RF range. These sensors were subsequently disabled or reconfigured, allowing the automated sorting system to return to normal operation without further disruption.
Following the successful resolution, Amazon has continued to engage Dynamic Technologies Europe to assist with the optimisation and ongoing assurance of wireless performance across other areas of the fulfilment centre.
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