The partnership will trial the deployment of a private 5G network at Porsche’s manufacturing production complex in Leipzig Germany
The 5G network to facilitate new remote production capabilities for Porsche. (Credit: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)
German automobile manufacturer Porsche has partnered with Ericsson to trial 5G to boost the production capabilities of its manufacturing complexes.
The research partnership will pilot the deployment of a private 5G network at Porsche’s manufacturing production complex in Leipzig, Germany.
The trial project is said to be the first deployment of a private 5G network at any of Porsche’s production complexes.
It is expected to facilitate new remote production capabilities for the high-performance car manufacturer.
As part of the partnership, Ericsson will provide its 5G standalone (SA) network, which operates over a private frequency spectrum, delivering high-speed wireless connectivity, ultra-low latency and huge data-handling capabilities.
Porsche logistics and production executive board member Albrecht Reimold said: “As we transition to the factory of tomorrow, Porsche production is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation.
“In the process, we are guided by our vision: smart, lean and green. 5G technology is one of the key elements laying the groundwork for our Smart Factory.”
To be piloted in the technology cell of Porsche’s Macan body shop, the 5G network is expected to allow the controlling of robotics in real-time without cables.
Through the secure, flexible and predictable transmission of signals in real-time, the network will also facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data between other on-site machines, production workers and vehicles.
Besides, it will provide updated automation capabilities for Porsche to enhance its production performance.
The company is also expected to gain increased worker safety, faster production times, reduced costs and enhanced quality.
Porsche Leipzig executive board chairman Gerd Rupp said: “The 5G test area offers an excellent opportunity to test use cases in a production context and is an important step forward in our production of the future.”
In June this year, Ericsson announced the launch of private 5G for enterprises to optimise and simplify their operations with on-site connectivity and cloud-based network management.