German telecom giant Deutsche Telekom (DT) is working with Ericsson and a handful of other partners to develop campus networks for industrial sites using 5G and 4G LTE technology.

The move will see DT integrate more automation into its campus network offering that can take advantage of 5G networks. This includes automated guided vehicle (AGVs) systems that can use 5G-based edge services to increase the computing power of the AGVs. This will allow those vehicles to react quicker to obstacles on a factory floor or campus environment.

DT also cited the use of higher performing augmented reality (AR) glasses and industrial measurement technology.

Ericsson is providing the 5G network equipment. This will include the use of network slicing technology to parse out network resources for both public and private consumption. The private slice will be exclusive to the enterprise and provide for “more secure, reliable, and predictable connectivity,” the vendor explained.

Other named partners include EK Automation, which manufactures AGVs, and Hubraum, which provides 3D cameras that tap into an edge cloud network to facilitate obstacle detection and dynamic route planning for robotic equipment. Additionally, optical systems provider Konica Minolta is providing its AIRe AR glasses to the project that will at some point deliver data using DT’s 5G network. And measurement and automation firm Endress+Hauser is installing mobile radio modules into its equipment.

"Our development of a complete 5G ecosystem for industry will accelerate the pace of digitization in industry,” explained Claudia Nemat, board member for technology and innovation at DT, in a statement. “This will strengthen Germany's position in global competition.”

DT launched its 5G network in a handful of markets earlier this year, with plans to have service in the country’s 20 largest markets by year-end.

Ericsson has already joined forces with Swedish carrier Telia and Volvo Construction Equipment on the operation of a 5G network for industrial use. The network at Volvo’s research and development facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden, uses Ericsson commercial hardware and software, including 5G New Radio (NR) and core network products.

Ericsson’s efforts could be boosted by a recent overhaul of one of its production facilities in Tallinn, Estonia.

The vendor worked with Swedish technology and industrial giant ABB on the factory’s two-year “digitalization transformation to become a 5G manufacturing facility utilizing Ericsson’s own 5G technology.” This includes the installation of a modular and flexible manufacturing floor using radio assembly automation, automated guided vehicles, automated radio testing, surface-mount assembly, automated lifts, and automated dispensing equipment.

The final assembly automation line will be installed by the end of this year.

“As 5G is taking off in Europe, we’re ensuring that our customers benefit from the latest technology as soon as they are ready,” explained Fredrik Jejdling, executive vice president and head of business area networks at Ericsson, in a statement. “Our European supply digitalization investments, alongside our investments in America and Asia, is further proof that we continue to work close to our customers in the most efficient, technology-advanced, and needs-based way.”

Jejdling’s reference to its America investment is tied to Ericsson’s expansion of its manufacturing facility in Plano, Texas. That “smart factory” will produce 5G and advanced antenna radio systems for 5G deployments in North America with a special emphasis on industrial IoT. The company also aims to make the factory at least 28% more energy efficient than comparable buildings.