Swedish telecommunications equipment manufacturer Ericsson and Japanese IT services provider Fujitsu have established a private 5G network for JLR at its Solihull facility to help the British carmaker enhance its production capabilities and assist in its digital transformation.
The implementation of private 5G will allow JLR to embrace Industry 4.0 and utilize IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation technologies, focusing on automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
“According to Ericsson on Wednesday, this advanced networking technology is improving the manufacturing of Range Rover vehicles by facilitating essential applications like vision systems, IoT ( Internet of Things ) sensors, and production equipment.”
The supplier stated that the private 5G is already enhancing "workflow efficiency" at JLR. With wireless fifth-generation connectivity, maintenance and production managers can transform data insights and simulations into real operational efficiencies using DataOps platforms like Litmus.
The constraints of conventional wired networks led JLR to “cut the copper,” substituting these systems with Ericsson's 5G technology, which facilitates smooth and instantaneous data transfer, according to the vendor.
Additionally, gathering and evaluating data enables JLR decision-makers on the factory floor to swiftly enhance and refine manufacturing processes. Moreover, private 5G allows JLR to swiftly exchange and set up new or malfunctioning connected devices, minimizing downtime and facilitating faster adjustments to the production line.
Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G at Ericsson's Enterprise Wireless Solutions, stated, “Private 5G is revolutionizing manufacturing by addressing the intricate connectivity requirements of Industry 4.0." We are excited to collaborate with a luxury automotive giant such as JLR, delivering a network solution that enhances their worldwide manufacturing capabilities.