Technology company
Siemens is launching an in-house-developed private infrastructure for the 5G mobile communications standard, thereby enabling industrial companies to build their own local 5G networks.
Axel Lorenz, CEO of process automation at Siemens, said: “By building their own 5G networks, industrial companies are launching the next stage of connected production. 5G is crucial for applications like mobile robots, autonomous logistics, and driverless transport systems in factories. Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure also always gives users sole control over the data in their 5G network and they can custom-configure the network for their applications. Other scenarios for industrial 5G wireless technology include the integrated use of connected tablets, virtual reality (VR) glasses, and smart tools.”
Siemens’ 5G infrastructure consists of a 5G core and a radio access network (RAN), which includes the central unit (CU), the distributed unit (DU), and the radio units (RUs). Different 5G end-devices can connect to the 5G infrastructure and communicate in the private network. The all-in-one 5G solution is also designed for use in harsh industrial environments.
Mr Lorenz added: “Before the market launch, Siemens extensively tested its private 5G infrastructure in real production environments including the Siemens production site in Karlsruhe. By implementing and operating the prototype network in our own production facilities, we were able to extensively test and refine the technology, ensuring that it can withstand the requirements of industrial production environments and support industrial applications.”
The private Siemens 5G infrastructure is now available in Germany, and other countries will follow. One of the pilot customers for the complete 5G solution is the German steel group Salzgitter AG.
Gerd Baresch, chief technology officer at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, said: “We don’t just want to build any 5G network, we want an industrial 5G that meets the enormous requirements of the steel industry. Wherever we need to wirelessly transmit data reliably and securely — from real-time camera images to safety-relevant emergency-stop signals for driverless transport systems — we need future-proof communication technology. Siemens has been a longstanding reliable partner for network solutions, and this is precisely why we decided to work with them.”
Further information about the Siemens industrial 5G offering can be found at the website (
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