Qualcomm and Siemens are working together to reimagine building automation by applying a 5G private network (PN), based on the Snapdragon X55 5G modem-RF system, in the Americas.

The joint effort is underway at the Siemens Chicagoland office in Buffalo Grove, testing 5G PN use cases for efficient connection of HVAC assets that will help meet the growing user needs around energy efficiency, reduced costs of ownership, increased security and proactive maintenance. This collective effort aims to advance digitalisation in building automation by developing more intelligent smart devices in the future.

Siemens is developing use cases to explore how building automation can capitalise on the power of 5G high-speed data transmission, low latency and greater capacity versus 4G. A proof-of-concept (PoC) network architecture is being built at the Siemens facilities in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, with the support of the Qualcomm’s engineering services group.

The team is taking a holistic approach on application of 5G technologies and works on proving every step of complete 5G adoption. It is focusing on everything from system design and obtaining an experimental CBRS licence to full integration of devices into cloud-based services.

Qualcomm is driving the digital transformation of business through system-level options, using a combination of wireless connectivity and intelligent platforms.

“We are proud of the collaboration with Siemens, bringing together its leadership in building automation, and our expertise in wireless and edge compute technologies,” said Sebastiano Di Filippo, senior director for Qualcomm in Europe. “Our teams worked closely to successfully prove the automated building use case. Qualcomm Technologies’ platforms have the power to unlock huge potential across multiple sectors, driving the connected intelligent edge, where billions of smart connected devices can be deployed and impact a multitude of industries.”

Ivan Todorov, head of engineering for Siemens in the USA, added: “Joining Qualcomm Technologies’ capabilities with Siemens’ building automation domain experience creates a unique skillset that enables creation of a very innovative offering. We see 5G as a key enabler that will bring to life an ecosystem of edge devices and services to help us meet some of the most pressing customer needs around energy efficiency, cyber security and decarbonisation. In times of increasing technology complexity, we see partnering as key to optimising time-to-market and value for the customer.”

And Repus Hsiung, vice president at WNC, said: “5G enables endless possibilities and creates new industrial paradigms. WNC’s i-Router, adopting Snapdragon X55, unlocks a wide variety of innovative use cases. We are proud to be collaborating with Siemens on their innovative 5G smart building automation.”

Established in 1996, Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC) specialises in the design, development and manufacturing of communications products. WNC encompasses applications from broadband, mobility, multimedia and the IoT to wireline and wireless communications.

With around 70,000 employees worldwide, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, and its US corporate headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.