AWS flags brownfield gear and skills gaps as barriers to private networks

Speaking at Unwrapped Digital Industries, AWS solutions architecture lead Mauro Matteo said private network adoption is growing in logistics and manufacturing, but legacy equipment and skills shortages slow wider rollout. Amazon alone connects around 1 million robots across its fulfilment centres.

• AWS says private network growth is "real", with about 1 million robots connected in Amazon logistics
• Biggest barrier is brownfield equipment: port cranes and control systems can't be retrofitted
• 5G is "a tool and not a destination", with wired and Wi-Fi still better for some tasks
• Cost is "not a blocker"; the focus is on improving return on investment