Nokia, Intel and Telia test out smart factory in Finland

Nokia, Intel and Telia have teamed up to test out industrial applications of 5G for manufacturing at the Nokia Conscious Factory in Oulu.

The trials were aimed at making use of the ultra-low latency and high-bandwidth capabilities of 5G with machine-learning to enhance production in manufacturing environment. Taking place at the end of last month, the trio claim it is a world first in terms of testing out the ‘Industrial 4.0’ idea, focusing on automation and data exchange in the manufacturing process. In other words, how to do it more efficiently and with less employees.

Nokia deployed the network, using its 5G AirScale and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) platforms, while the AirFrame data centre solution was equipped with Intel’s Xeon Scalable processors, to deliver network edge and core cloud flexibilities and capabilities. The trial also used the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform as the end-user device as well as an integrated video analytics application from Finnish software start up Finwe.

This project is another example of edge computing starting to get a bit more buzz. To reduce latency and improve performance, the use of Multi-access Edge Computing together with 5G allows data to be processed close to where it’s needed. The Finwe video application was used to monitor and analyse a video feed of a process on one assembly line, while machine learning applications alerted the assembly line operator of any inconsistencies in the process so they could be corrected in real-time. In the second trial, Nokia and Telia demonstrated the ability of the technology to enable Telia to offer cloud remote service delivery for business customers.

“Under our ‘5G Finland’ initiative we are working with companies such as Nokia to accelerate the fourth industrial revolution in the country,” said Janne Koistinen, Director of 5G Program at Telia Finland. “In this trial we could show how we can extend our service offering to new industry customers to enable efficiencies that will advance their production capabilities.”