5G SA private wireless network to support Konecranes’ advanced R&D work

Nokia and Edzcom will jointly deliver a 5G standalone (SA) private wireless network for Konecranes at its Hyvinkää smart factory in Finland.

Edzcom will deploy a private wireless and application platform based on the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC). The 5G network will enable Konecranes to research and develop digitalized factory and port solutions that leverage 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency for increased productivity, improved efficiency, and enhanced safety.

Juha Pankakoski, Executive Vice President for Technologies, Konecranes, said: “Factories and ports are increasingly becoming digitalized and automated, and machine-to-machine communication is on the rise, creating an ecosystem of connected devices. Konecranes has been an industry leader in this development, and partnering with Nokia and Edzcom helps us extend that digitalization and technology leadership.

“Establishing a private 5G network in our Hyvinkää smart factory, with its low latency, high bandwidth and greater reliability, gives us the chance to accelerate automation even further, improving efficiency and opening up new use cases that can benefit both Konecranes and its customers.”

The 5G network will support trials across Konecranes’ Hyvinkää operations, incorporating its smart factory, research and development facilities, and test cranes. One use case example is the deployment of high-resolution wireless cameras to improve load handling safety, site security and operational integrity.

Stephan Litjens, Vice President Enterprise Solutions, Nokia Cloud and Network Services, commented: “Konecranes has been at the forefront of private wireless, introducing private LTE with Nokia and Edzcom four years ago to develop innovative solutions for its Lifting Businesses. By now deploying 5G to explore and develop its potential in factories and ports, Konecranes underscores its pioneering position in leveraging digitalization to enhance productivity and safety.”

Mikko Uusitalo, Managing Director, Edzcom, added: “This project is a great showcase for smooth evolution to 5G private networking, with tight cooperation between Konecranes, Edzcom and Nokia. 5G will enable Konecranes to ensure greater capacity and high performance for its most ambitious digitalization strategies. We are excited to see how Konecranes will continue to innovate, and employ edge connectivity to boost operational efficiency and new solution development.”

Edzcom is experienced in designing, building, and operating private wireless network solutions in different locations and is supporting Konecranes on its journey deploying 5G. The European market leader in edge connectivity solutions, Edzcom understands the requirements for private networks involved when the aim is to accelerate automation smoothly even further. The reliability of the wireless network is business critical. Effective connections are needed when creating a platform for ecosystem of connected devices and innovating for future.

Nokia DAC is an application platform capable of providing high-bandwidth, low-latency, hyper-fast private networking, and local edge computing. Compact and easy to deploy, Nokia DAC comprises network and user equipment, a cloud-based operation monitoring system and industrial connectors that ease standard and industry-specific protocol connectivity. It also features a catalog of applications, that seamlessly integrates ruggedized routers, handhelds, and other wireless devices.