Experimental tests of 5G-connected technologies in England’s West Midlands region show the potential that advanced connectivity can offer to organisations, according to the trial organisers. The tests, which brought together BT, Nokia, nexGworx and West Midlands 5g, have shown that 5G technology adoption by manufacturers boosts overall sector performance and support more sustainable practices, according to results released by West Midlands 5G.

The trials, carried out at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, are a product of the UK Government’s 5G Testbeds and Trials programme. The centre aims to give SMEs, corporate members, neighbouring universities, and wider industry the opportunity to explore private 5G and on-premises multi-edge computing to drive forward innovation in the region beyond the duration of the programme. 

The MTC has recently launched its first 5G-enabled demonstrator system to trial the technology, featuring 5G-connected robotics, computer vision and edge computing. Next generation technology and the underlying network infrastructure required to build the private 5G network will be based on Nokia Digital Automation Cloud. 

The trial showcased an automated inspection process to prove how intelligent automation and advanced connectivity could enable manufacturing sites to maximise productivity and utilisation of inspection technology, whilst reducing footprint and product waste. 

Communicating via BT’s private standalone 5G network, automated and fast visual inspections can check that each component meets specification using high-definition cameras, before autonomously delivering parts to the next stage in the process. 

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This innovative collaboration between WM5G and MTC will enable some of our region’s most cutting-edge businesses to power forward their pioneering work in computing and robotics alongside our dynamic universities. Given the commitment to Innovation Accelerators set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, this announcement is wonderfully timed”. 

Robert Franks, Managing Director at WM5G, said: “Manufacturing is at the heart of the economy in the West Midlands, and at WM5G we are working collaboratively with our partners to ensure that public and private sector organisations can remain competitive in the global marketplace and develop cutting edge technologies to advance their capabilities. 

“We are so pleased to have delivered a successful trial in partnership with nexGworx and BT at the MTC, driving forward the transformation of manufacturing productivity for the region. The learnings and outcomes from our demonstration will now be used and applied across the sector to ensure best practice is carried forward, and to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology more widely.” 

Alejandra Matamoros, Technology Manager in the MTC’s Digital Engineering Group, said: “Our connected facility at the MTC will allow manufacturers of all sizes, research, and technology suppliers to explore the benefits of 5G in manufacturing. Through our enduring collaboration with nexGworx and BT we are now planning to further build on the initial capability we’ve created here at the MTC to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with the help of 5G technology.

“We hope that this project will inspire further development of innovative solutions to solve real business challenges and develop new opportunities through advanced wireless connectivity.”