Telefónica Deutschland, Ericsson and Mercedes-Benz Cars deployed the world's first 5G mobile network for automobile production in its "Factory 56" in Sindelfingen, a small southern German city in Baden-Württemberg.
As part of an innovation project that extends over an area of more than 20,000 m2, the 5G mobile communications standard is being implemented for the first time into the running production. The 5G network is being installed by Telefónica Deutschland in collaboration with Ericsson. Once installation and commissioning are completed, the network will be operated by Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The use of 5G network technology allows Mercedes-Benz Cars, among other things, to optimise existing production processes in its plant with the help of new features. These include, for example, the data linking or product tracking on the assembly line. With a separate own network, all processes can be optimised and made more robust, and if necessary adapted at short notice to prevailing market requirements. Furthermore, the mobile communications standard links production systems and machines together in an intelligent manner, thereby supporting the efficiency and precision of the production process.
Jorg Burzer, Member if the Divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Suppy Chain
As the inventor of the car, we are taking digitalisation in production to a whole new level. With the installation of a local 5G network, the networking of all production systems and machines in the Mercedes-Benz Cars factories will become even smarter and more efficient in the future.
Markus Haas, CEO of Telefonica Deutschland
As a telecommunications provider and partner for the industry, we have extensive experience in private networks and modern 5G solutions, which we are now contributing to the cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Cars.
