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Worcester Bosch and the UK’s first 5G factory

The 5G factory of the future

Worcester Bosch launches the UK’s first 5G factory

Time is money in the manufacturing process. While regular factory innovation is essential for success, it can also be damaging to productivity and output in the short term. 5G private networks, together with 5G-enabled technologies such as the Internet of Things, can provide a crucial platform for continuous optimisation of machine performance, while avoiding slow and costly infrastructural changes.

Case

Fuelling productivity

Worcester Bosch, best known for manufacturing domestic boilers, has launched the UK’s first 5G factory using a 5G private network and mobile edge computing infrastructure provided by Ericsson and managed by BT.

Through a combination of 5G technology, the factory has already been able to optimise machine performance and increase output by as much as 2 percent.

Game-changing technology

Worcestershire 5G Testbed (W5G), uses 5G to run real-time machine sensors

The factory, which is part of the Worcestershire 5G Testbed (W5G), uses 5G to run real-time machine sensors, allowing them to address problems on the production line before they happen.

Another benefit has been the installation of a network of collision detection sensors, making the factory and its products much safer for on-the-ground employees and consumers alike.

The 5G difference

5G technology has long been heralded as a key driver for Industry 4.0. Its ultra-low latency, high speeds and reliability make it infinitely easier to implement the smarter manufacturing technologies run on the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

With a private 5G network, factories can roll out AI and machine learning quickly, without needing to disrupt the production line and supply chain through changes to infrastructure.

“We have learnt an awful lot within the W5G Testbed, both about the 5G network itself, but most importantly about the skills and competencies we need in-house, and what data to stream in order to develop a real-time understanding of the behaviour of various machines.” Carl Arntzen, CEO, Worcester Bosch

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