Continental has launched its first European private 5G network at its display manufacturing plant in Brandýs nad Labem, Czechia. The 5G network provided by T-Mobile Czechia has been tailored to Continental’s high-tech production requirements. The new network will accelerate communications between staff and embedded equipment such as sensors, production robots and autonomous transport vehicles.

The network is also improving connectivity between Continental plants in its global production network due to standardisation and reduced latency.

Continental plans to integrate more than 1,000 devices and sensors into the network at its plant in Brandýs. Covering an area of 5,000 square meters, eight network access points provide the signal for the private 5G network.

“The production of complex display solutions for vehicle cockpits requires innovative technologies already today. The challenges of manufacturing high-tech products of the highest quality and in large quantities will continue to grow in the future. In line with our megafactory strategy, we are therefore systematically focusing on state-of-the-art production,” said Thomas Ebenhöch, head of Operations in the User Experience business area at Continental Automotive. “With the introduction of a private 5G network at our location in Brandýs nad Labem in Czechia, we have now reached a significant milestone on the road to the digital factory.”

Mobile connectivity increases the ability to connect devices, autonomous transport vehicles and machines and provides greater flexibility for staff.

Technicians can collaborate with colleagues on site from home thanks to improved connectivity.  The experts guide their colleagues in the plant during maintenance work on production machines with the help of augmented reality without needing to visit the factory.

Smart connectivity also makes cross-plant collaboration within Continental’s production network more efficient. The company collects data from the production process and derives insights and opportunities for improvement for the entire production network. “We are already using the data from our connected plants to determine and potential improvements, develop and apply solutions. Along this, our plant in Brandýs nad Labem will play a leading role with the 5G connectivity of more than 1,000 sensors and devices”, said Ebenhöch.