Robonode: Advanced Wireless Communication for Robotics and Drones

High-Performance Wi-Fi Capabilities

Built by 8DEVICES, Robonode leverages Qualcomm’s MU-MIMO Wi-Fi6 (WCN9074) for extended range and a secondary Wi-Fi5 (WCN9380) for high-speed accessory connections. Optimized for superior RF performance, it delivers 29dBm (2.4GHz) and 26dBm (5GHz) output power per chain, supporting 5MHz and 10MHz channels for reliable long-range operation. Advanced error correction, frequency shifting, and interference mitigation further enhance performance, achieving over 20km communication range in real-world tests.

Robust Design for Extreme Environments

Housed in a durable aluminum casing with an active cooling option, Robonode is ready for extreme outdoor deployments. The Robonode software SDK, based on OpenEmbedded/Yocto (LTS Kernel 4.14), provides APIs for Wi-Fi broadcast, telemetry, audio, and video streaming, making integration seamless for drones, robots, and ground systems. To ensure the robustness and reliability of communications between devices 8Devices have incorporated into Robonode SDK forward error correction, frequency range and frequency shifting modifications to use non-standard center frequencies.

Possible applications for Robonode include drones, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) as well as long range, outdoor peer to peer audio & video systems.

Key Software Features

• Wi-Fi broadcast with FEC (Forward Error Correction)
• Narrow channels
• Wide frequency ranges
• Fast frequency shifting
• Easy USB configuration including system updates
• OpenHD support

Key Hardware Features

• Processor based on Qualcomm QCS405 SoC
• Radio1: Qualcomm QCN9074 Wi-Fi6 (802.11a/g/n/ac/ax) 2.4GHz and 5GHz with 2x4 MIMO
• Extended radio frequency ranges 2360 to 3150 MHz (2.4 GHz), 4550 to 6630 MHz (5GHz), 5325 to 7495 MHz (6GHz)
• 2.4GHz up to 29dBm; 5GHz 26dBm RF output power per chain
• Narrow bandwidth 5/10MHz with standard 20/40/80/160MHz in full extended range
• Reduced channel steps 1MHz for 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Non-standard centre frequency channels for interference mitigation
• Optimized for reliable long-range communication (over 20km in real world effective range tests)
• Qualcomm WCN9380 Wi-Fi5 (802.11a/g/n/ac) 2.4GHz and 5GHz with 1x1 MU-MIMO 20/40/80
• 2.4GHz up to 22dBm; 5GHz 20dBm RF output power per chain;
• Memory eMCP: LPDDR3 1GB + eMMC 8GB;
• Memory eMCP: LPDDR3 1GB + eMMC 8GB;
• Fast frequency shifting;
• Easy USB configuration;
• Single configuration file;
• USB debugging interface;
• Solution weight : 178 grams
• Mesh networking supported via Meshmerize technology
• 2x USB 2.0, 4x BLSP (UART, I2C or SPI), 16x GPIO, 1Gig ETH port, 1x user configurable reset button;
• Aluminium housing

Explore more about CODICO’s Embedded Modules.

Why is Robonode Ideal for Long-Range Robotics and Drone Applications?

Robonode stands out due to its Qualcomm QCS405-based processing power, high-performance Wi-Fi6/5 connectivity, and long-range communication capabilities. With advanced error correction, frequency shifting, and dual-band support, it ensures stable and low-latency communication, even in challenging environments. Its robust design, comprehensive software support, and easy integration make it the optimal choice for drones, AMRs, AGVs, and other autonomous systems.

Your Contact Person

Want to integrate Robonode into your design? Contact Thomas Carmody.