GlobalLogic and Ericsson partnered on a private 5G network at a Hitachi Rail factory in the US, infrastructure set to be the foundation of advanced automation and worker safety applications.

The deployment in its 307,000sqft facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, and is expected to support a variety of use cases around optimising production and cutting defects.

Examples given by GlobalLogic, which is a Hitachi Group company, include: use of robot dogs to detect defects; digital twins to optimise rail carriages before production; predictive maintenance; and use of automated vehicles to move materials safely across the factory floor.

“With ultra-low latency and high bandwidth at its core, the 5G private network enables real-time execution of critical processes, driving significant gains in efficiency, precision, and worker safety” the company added.

Hitachi Rail president of North America Joe Pozza stated the facility is “more than just a train manufacturing site – it is a blueprint for the future of rail production worldwide, harnessing the latest AI, robotics, and digital systems to deliver high-quality, smart, and reliable manufacturing”.

“Private 5G connectivity is a game-changer for advanced manufacturing environments. This secure, high-performance connectivity allows us to automate more processes, protect our workforce, and accelerate innovation.”