n TECHNOLOGY October 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 SIEMENS HAS LAUNCHED a private 5G wireless infrastructure that will allow industrial companies to build their own 5G networks to support their automation applications. 5G offers many potential advantages to industrial users including the flexibility to change factory layouts without having to relay data cables, low latencies, fast data speeds and high data security. 5G is regarded by many as being crucial for applications such as mobile robots, autonomous logistics, driverless transport systems and edge devices. It will also support connected tablets, VR (virtual reality) glasses and smart tools. Unlike other wireless technologies, private 5G networks use a licensed frequency band and can therefore be used without the risk of interference. The private 5G networks – also known as campus networks – are restricted to company premises, defined areas or individual buildings. This allows users to modify them to suit their applications. The networks also give companies full control over their data, because private 5G networks use their own local 5G spectrum. “By building their own 5G networks, industrial companies are launching the next stage of connected production,” says Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens. “5G is crucial for applications like mobile robots, autonomous logistics, and driverless transport systems in factories. Siemens' private 5G infrastructure also gives users sole control over the data in their 5G network at all times, and they can customconfigure the network for their applications.” Before launching its 5G infrastructure commercially, Siemens tested the technology in real production environments, including one of its own sites in Karlsruhe. This allowed it to refine the technology, ensuring that it meets the needs of industrial users. The technology was also tested at several pilot sites, including one operated by the German steel group, Salzgitter. “We want an industrial 5G that meets the enormous requirements of the steel industry,” explains Salzgitter Flachstahl’s chief technology officer, Gerd Baresch. “Wherever we need to wirelessly transmit data reliably and securely – from real-time camera images to emergency-stop signals for driverless transport systems – we need future-proof communication technology." Siemens’ industrial 5G infrastructure consists of a 5G core and a radio access network (RAN) that includes a central unit (CU), distributed units (DUs) and radio units (RUs). 5G end-devices can connect to the infrastructure and communicate via the private network. Since 2021, Siemens has been offering industrial 5G for connecting robots, AGVs and other industrial devices to private 5G networks. It says the new routers are the final components needed to create efficient wireless 5G networks for industrial environments. The private Siemens 5G infrastructure will be sold initially in Germany. Other countries will follow. www.siemens.com/private-5g-networks ROCKWELL AUTOMATION HAS announced a module that, it claims, will “revolutionise” edge computing capabilities for its Logix controllers, opening up new applications and enhancing their processing power and versatility. The Embedded Edge Compute module (EEC) allows IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) capabilities to converge at the Logix level for more direct monitoring. “Our mission with the Embedded Edge Compute Module is to provide a cutting-edge solution that empowers our customers to embrace the full potential of edge computing, while maintaining compatibility and ease of use,”explains Rockwell product manager, Stefano Schiavella. “We believe EEC will revolutionise the way Logix controllers interact with modern technologies and unlock new opportunities for efficiency and productivity." The module’s key functions and benefits include: n High-performance computing: Using a powerful processor and an advanced computing architecture, the module delivers high speed and efficiency, and can process complex tasks and dataintensive applications with ease. n Space saving: The module can fit into tight spaces. Its small size and low power consumption make it ideal for edge applications, bringing powerful computing capabilities closer to the data source without compromising performance. n Scalability and flexibility: The module can host Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Optix and Remote Access tools, allowing users to adapt to changing computing demands. n Connectivity: The module offers a choice of connectivity options, facilitating data exchange and enabling advanced IoT and automation applications. www.rockwellautomation.com Powerful control module will ‘revolutionise’ edge applications Private industrial 5G network gives flexibility to automation users One of Siemens’ industrial 5G radio devices
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