The Industrial 5G Accelerator will produce a series of real life test cases proving 5G’s potential, and making the case for rapid adoption. Through a combination of technical excellence and leading innovation it will be clear that the predicted role of 5G is not only possible, but vital to optimising industrial processes and increasing efficiency, and has the potential to contribute up to £15.7 billion per year to the UK economy by 20251.
Jeremy Silver, CEO, Digital Catapult, said “The potential for 5G to boost UK productivity and increase efficiency is hugely exciting. 5G is a significant investment for any company so to be able to showcase its value in a real-life environment, through tangible and relevant examples, is absolutely vital to developing a concrete business case. We're excited to work with Ericsson, pairing our deep technical knowledge and agile approach to innovation with their world renowned technical and business excellence, helping to provide the ammunition business leaders need to accelerate adoption of 5G across the country.”
5G is set to be at the heart of UK industries such as manufacturing, logistics and supply chains. Understanding 5G’s applications and potential will help unleash knowledge from infrastructure providers and mobile network operators. Early investment in a 5G-enabled ecosystem and infrastructure base will foster the business environment necessary to advance the UK’s status as a world-leading digital economy.
Marielle Lindgren, CEO, Ericsson UK & Ireland said “Technologies like IoT, robotics and AI, are transforming UK businesses, but the lack of consistent, high-quality connectivity is preventing them from realising Industry 4.0’s full potential. With its super-fast data rates, ultra-low latency and vastly increased network capacity, 5G provides the solution to this challenge. Ericsson is a world leader in communications technology, and today in the UK, we are collaborating with mobile network operators, businesses and agencies such as Digital Catapult to ensure Industry 4.0 is capable of delivering on its promise.”
5G can address a wide range of use cases, from onsite processes to connected goods. Experimentation can help reduce industries’ concerns around cellular technologies for in-factory connectivity, including perceived barriers such as cost, interoperability with existing networks and security considerations. It will also enable new business models and help UK supply chains deliver new services for their customers such as improved health and safety applications, predictive maintenance and remote asset monitoring.
Digital Catapult and Ericsson’s Industrial 5G Accelerator is a bespoke, challenge-led programme focused on presenting demonstrations with the ambition to showcase 5G prototypes to corporate end-users. By displaying the feasibility and value of 5G for industrial service providers and end-users, early adoption will be incentivised.
The Industrial 5G Accelerator is looking for companies providing industrial equipment into manufacturing, logistics, heavy industry and the relevant supply chains as well as large industrial players to take part. Participants will benefit from the vast assets and expertise from Ericsson and Digital Catapult to set a road map for enabling 5G. This commitment will increase the effectiveness of their products and services, with the ambition to co-develop demonstrations of capabilities ready for industry.
