ABB and Ericsson have signed an MoU to collaborate on developing flexible production with industrial automation and wireless communication. The two companies will work together on 5G wireless-based manufacturing automation, enhanced industrial connected services, industrial IoT and AI.

The move comes following the deployment of an intelligent automation system at Ericsson’s manufacturing facilities in Tallinn, Estonia, using fully automated flexible robotics cell technology from ABB. The automated plant is producing 5G radios for Ericsson.

“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Ericsson as the world moves closer to the era of 5G technology,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “ABB’s leadership in digital industries combined with Ericsson’s pioneering work in connectivity will open up new opportunities for customers to enhance productivity and competitiveness by digitalising their businesses.”

“Ericsson and ABB already have a strong collaboration in research for 5G and Industrial IoT technologies,” Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson said. “With this MoU, we strengthen our partnership to accelerate the industrial ecosystem and realise the full potential of flexible automation, unlocking new business opportunities enabled by combining 5G and Industry 4.0.”