Yamazaki Mazak has been chosen as one of a select few UK companies to be involved in the Government’s 5G Testbed initiative (ahead of the deployment of next-generation 5G technology), with a view to improving commercial
digital infrastructures and ultimately boosting productivity across the UK industrial sector.

It is said that 5G is set to become the industry standard for connectivity in the future; and with the potential for speeds up to 10 gigabits/sec, it could allow industrial automation systems to operate at ‘as yet unseen’ speeds, as well as increase the speed of real-time analysis, resulting in quicker reactions to any ‘red flags’.

Yamazaki Mazak (www.mazak.com), which is part of the Worcestershire 5G consortium, was chosen due to its pioneering work to date in implementing Industry 4.0 design principles throughout its portfolio of machine tools and CNC technology.

The consortium has been granted £4.8 million in government funding to conduct the 5G Testbed trial.

The funding will be used to ascertain how faster Internet speeds could improve industrial productivity and advanced cyber security, via increased investment in next-generation technology.

This will include experimenting with preventative- and assisted-maintenance techniques using robotics, ‘big data’ analytics and augmented reality at the company’s European headquarters in Worcester.

Yamazaki Mazak’s Marcus Burton said: “Manufacturers across the UK and beyond are now reaping the productivity rewards of greater connectivity for their industrial equipment.

Industry 4.0 centres on the key design principles of interoperability of machines and devices, greater data transparency, technical assistance and decentralised decision making.

“We are starting to see these factors become more commonplace among UK manufacturers, but current Internet speeds can only take us so far.

“The 5G Testbed represents an exciting opportunity to drive further productivity growth, and facilitate even faster data transfer and analysis for manufacturers.”

Margot James, the Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, said: “Worcestershire, with its strong manufacturing and industrial base, has rightfully won its place as home to one of the UK’s first 5G Testbeds.

“I look forward to seeing how 5G connectivity will fuel the Midlands Engine — unlocking growth, increasing productivity and bringing wider benefits for our citizens and communities.”