Turbocharging automation through connectivity
Automation has long been seen as a way of boosting productivity within enterprises. However, the UK lags behind other countries in this process. For example, manufacturing is ranked 23rd in the global robot density league table, and productivity as a whole is 0.8% lower compared to a year ago, and around 19% below the US.
To overcome this challenge, it is vital companies adopt new technology like Industrial IoT, robotics, AI, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. These tools have been proven to improve worker productivity and help reduce waste in production and the supply chain. However, businesses are often restricted in their ability to implement this technology by static and wire-bound connectivity solutions.
This is why enterprises are turning to private 5G networks. For example, Jaguar Land Rover recently implemented a private 5G network at their factory in Solihull, enabling them to seamlessly connect vision systems, IoT sensors, and production tools on the factory floor, helping boost automation and digitalisation efforts. Similarly, real-world pilots, such as Schiphol Airport’s trial of Ericsson Private 5G, demonstrate high-speed connectivity’s potential to drive efficiency and future-proof complex operations.
Enabling automation through private 5G networks
Connected processes generate a huge amount of data. For example, it is predicted the industrial IoT market will grow to £346.35 billion by 2029 These devices are used to create digital twins, monitor emissions, improve energy management in offices and much more. In industrial setups they are also often spread out across large areas, both indoor and outdoor, and in concrete and metal structures which can interfere with radio signals.
While Wi-Fi can be used in many scenarios, it often falls short in challenging conditions. In these situations, private 5G networks are the only solution. They offer robust, low latency, high bandwidth, and resilient connectivity, maintaining consistent communication across complex and extensive sites, including remote and mobile assets. They can also easily operate in both indoor and outdoor environments, which is crucial when autonomous vehicles move between a factory and an outdoor area. It is also relatively easy to set up and can be seamlessly scaled as the needs of the business changes.
Creating a smarter factory
Manufacturers are always looking to increase productivity at their factories. For example, over the last few years, Nestlé has taken advantage of emerging technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), virtual reality and the operation of self-driving vehicles (AGV) to boost efficiency at their factory in Brazil. However, they needed a reliable, high-speed network for these solutions to be effectively moved to the next level.
To address this challenge Nestlé uses an Ericsson private 5G network at the factory. The solution helped Nestlé’s ambition to move from an automated to autonomous factory. This ensured business-critical applications which required ultra-short response times were properly supported.
Similarly, Ericsson worked with AWS Snow Family to establish machine learning models within the Hitachi manufacturing complex. Using Hitachi video analytics, real-time video of the component assembly operation was fed across the private 5G network to help detect defects earlier, reducing scrap and lost production.
Creating a smarter warehouse
Inventory counting remains a significant challenge for the logistics industry. Businesses often hire seasonal workers for this tedious and time-consuming task, which can also involve safety risks, as workers must operate forklifts to reach items. Human error further contributes to inaccuracies in inventory counts. Additionally, safety concerns can necessitate shutting down warehouse aisles during the count, making the process inefficient.
Cypher Robotics developed an automated solution to address these challenges, combining both aerial and ground robotics technology. This helped improve the counting of stock, with the drones capturing data with 99.9% accuracy. To ensure the devices could seamlessly move around the expansive warehouse they were connected to a private 5G network, which also allowed them to automatically securely load data in real time to the client’s Warehouse Management System software. The low latency of the connection allowed for immediate validation if certain bar codes or items don’t look quite right on inspection, meaning corrective measures could be made in real time to maintain accuracy.
Creating a smarter port
As critical national and international infrastructure, ports are incredibly complex environments requiring constant security and monitoring. Autonomous drones can support these inspections, but they need uninterrupted network coverage and constant communication with a central control system to operate effectively.
The Port of Tyne in the UK is leading the way in this effort, which has trialled a private 5G autonomous drone in collaboration with Unmanned Life, BT and Ericsson. This drone automates patrols and inspections, rapidly responding to incidents anywhere around the port, and it is easily scalable to a fleet of autonomous drones operated by Unmanned Life’s platform. The drones are equipped with software trained to detect anomalies within seconds – such as dangerous gas leaks or unauthorised personnel – and enhance worker safety through real-time monitoring and timely intervention.
Using drones can also increase operational efficiency at the port, enabling fast and informed decisions to be made from a single command centre. The reliable low latency of the private 5G connection allows real-time video streaming to a secure channel, which is crucial given the sensitive nature of the information being shared. Additionally, using private 5G connectivity, the autonomous drone system can be set up in hours, eliminating the need for expensive fixed infrastructure in a complex environment.
Unlocking automation with private 5G
The road to automation isn't just paved with innovation—it's powered by connection.
As industries push toward more autonomous, data-driven operations, the role of secure, high-performance connectivity becomes foundational. Private 5G networks aren’t simply a technical upgrade—they’re an enabler of smarter decisions, safer environments, and more resilient businesses. The path forward may not be uniform, but the direction is clear: those who align their connectivity strategy with their automation and digitalisation ambitions will be best placed to lead in the next era of industry.
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