Small and medium-sized companies in particular are facing major challenges with regard to Industry 4.0 and digitalization. In addition to their core knowledge, expertise in information and communication technology (ICT) is now also required. A 5G research project led by Aalen University is paving the way for flexible production in SMEs. The aim is to enable flexible production and optimize intralogistics through easy-to-use networking and positioning technology. The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with four million euros.

Optimizing production with island networks

The project consortium consists of the companies Awesome Technologie Innovationslabor, Blackned, Carl Zeiss Automated Inspection, Joyson PlasTec and Varta Microbatteries as well as the Ilmenau University of Technology and Aalen University. The project 'Open and flexible industrial networking with 5G small cell center: Adaptive production and intra-logistics in SMEs (5G++ FlexiCell)' aims to research the use of small, mobile radio cells, so-called 'small cells', as an island network, which also make it possible to locate objects and goods. Island networks are campus networks that can function autonomously and without an internet connection to mobile phone providers. However, because different communication and positioning technologies are used for different applications, small cells are also intended to integrate these. "This gives companies the freedom not to have to commit to one information and communication technology in these rapidly changing times, but to remain flexibly networked in the future," says Prof. Dr. Stephan Ludwig, who contributes his expertise in the operation of industrial 5G networks. "The solution should be easy to use and require no in-depth specialist knowledge," adds Prof. Dr. Doris Aschenbrenner, who is leading the project at Aalen University together with Ludwig.

5G as an enabling technology

In order to reduce costs and thus secure jobs in Germany, many manufacturing companies are investing in the digitalization of their production. SMEs in particular are faced with the challenge of transforming their production quickly, flexibly and automatically, often with small quantities and a wide variety of products. One prerequisite for this is efficient and flexible networking. Mobile technology 5G is currently making a big splash, as it allows control commands to be transmitted reliably and quickly via radio for the first time and objects to be localized at the same time - both of which are necessary for flexible production, including quality assurance, as well as a further improvement in internal production logistics.

Since the beginning of 2020, companies have been able to apply for exclusive spectrum licenses tied to their premises in order to operate their own 5G network there. However, 5G infrastructure is currently still comparatively expensive, meaning that investing in a comprehensive network for a technology is often not worthwhile. The solution should be easy to use and require no in-depth specialist knowledge. It is planned that several small cells can also be automatically networked with each other to form a larger network or cover a longer production line.