Cisco Wireless & Hazardous Waste Removal in Brazil
- A Brazilian engineering firm, Aterpa, is pioneering the use of remotely operated machinery to decommission unstable tailings dams, mitigating risks to workers.
- Conventional methods of decommissioning these dams pose extreme risks due to the unstable terrain.
- the key to this operation is Cisco's Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB).
Cisco’s Ultra-reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) technology is revolutionizing safety in Brazilian mining operations by enabling the remote control of heavy machinery. This groundbreaking solution from Cisco allows engineering firms like Aterpa to decommission unstable tailings dams, mitigating the risks associated with hazardous waste removal and preventing incidents like the devastating Mariana and Brumadinho dam collapses. Utilizing ultra-low latency—less than 10 milliseconds—Cisco URWB ensures real-time control of bulldozers and excavators, removing the need for on-site personnel and guaranteeing worker safety, crucial in treacherous terrains. The technology surpasses standard wireless networks and public 5G capabilities with its industrial-grade reliability, offering consistent signal strength and high bandwidth. News Directory 3 has the latest on this technology.Discover what’s next for Cisco URWB in autonomous vehicles, railway safety, and the rise of smart cities.
Cisco URWB Enhances Mining Safety with Remote Tech
Updated June 9, 2025
A Brazilian engineering firm, Aterpa, is pioneering the use of remotely operated machinery to decommission unstable tailings dams, mitigating risks to workers. This approach addresses the dangers highlighted by the Mariana and Brumadinho dam collapses, which resulted in significant loss of life and environmental devastation.
Conventional methods of decommissioning these dams pose extreme risks due to the unstable terrain. By using bulldozers and excavators controlled from a central command center, Aterpa eliminates the need for on-site personnel, enhancing worker safety. Operators rely on real-time camera feeds and sensor data to guide the equipment.
the key to this operation is Cisco’s Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB). This cutting-edge networking technology ensures ultra-low latency, less than 10 milliseconds, and seamless connectivity. Even a slight delay in video transmission could lead to accidents, making instant response times crucial.Cisco URWB provides the necessary responsiveness, allowing operators to control equipment as if they were physically present.
Remote-controlled machinery in action.
Unlike standard wireless networks, Cisco URWB delivers consistent signal strength and high bandwidth for video feeds, even in remote and unstable areas. It’s industrial-grade reliability ensures dependable communication in challenging environments,surpassing the capabilities of Wi-Fi and public 5G networks.
While Wi-Fi 6E offers improved speed, it lacks the range and resilience needed for industrial automation. Public 5G networks, while providing broad coverage, do not guarantee the ultra-low latency required for real-time remote control.Cisco’s URWB bridges this gap, combining the responsiveness of fiber networks with the versatility of wireless technology.
What’s next
Beyond mining cleanup, Cisco’s URWB is finding applications in autonomous vehicles, railway safety, and smart cities. Its ability to support real-time control and high-speed communication is poised to transform various industries, enhancing both safety and efficiency.