Volkswagen is taking another step in the direction of fully networked factories.
A local 5G standalone network (“campus network”) is now available at the automaker’s major plant in Wolfsburg that initially covers the main product development center and the pilot hall.
The pilot project will test if the 5G technology meets the demanding needs of vehicle production with a view to developing this for industrial series production in the future.
A committed 5G radio frequency will be used to safeguard the security and delay-free transmission of data. The Transparent Factory in Dresden has also put a so-called “5G island” into operation.
Volkswagen takes up the setup and operation of the 5G infrastructure itself in a move meant for building up competitive expertise in using this important technology of the future and ensuring data security.
“In implementing our ACCELERATE strategy we are working at full speed to transform our Volkswagen sites into smart factories. Our goal is to continuously optimize our production and make it even more effective and flexible. We believe that 5G technology has great potential for innovation, from the use of intelligent robots and driverless transportation systems to networked control of plant and machinery in real-time up to wireless software flashing of manufactured vehicles,” said Christian Vollmer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for Production and Logistics.
There are already about 5,000 robots at the automaker’s plant in Wolfsburg, and there are also many other machines and systems. 5G will make many smart factory applications possible for the first time.
