Nokia and Telefónica Germany showcase connected “factory in a box” at Hanover Fair

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  • Modular, portable Industry 4.0 solution concept in standard cargo containers for flexible deployment on demand
  • LTE/4G connectivity allows integration into manufacturing network as well as local private LTE network enabling IoT, security and communication in and around containers
Credits: Jörg Borm
Photo: Jörg Borm
Nokia and Telefónica Germany are taking Nokia’s “factory in a box” (FiaB) concept – a modular, portable production line in standard cargo containers – one step closer to real-world deployment. For the first time, during the Hanover Fair, the FiaB will be connected with Nokia’s manufacturing IT network through Telefónica’s live LTE/4G network. The FiaB concept includes cloud-based solutions, robotics and new electronic manufacturing IoT solutions, all of which will provide greater agility and flexibility to manufacturers. Nokia unveiled the concept – standard cargo container with a single electronics manufacturing line that can be moved to locations based on demand – in February 2018 with a group of 11 electronics industry players. The solution demonstrates how manufacturers can stay on top of the demands of Industry 4.0 through agile production that can be packed, transported and brought back into service in a matter of hours.
Credits: Jörg Borm
Photo: Jörg Borm
Connecting the containers via Telefónica’s 4G/LTE network to the Nokia manufacturing IT network turns the FiaB into a fully operational, on-demand extension to provide extra manufacturing capacity where needed. Beyond that, Telefónica Germany’s LTE spectrum can be leveraged to create a local private LTE network in and around the containers to connect sensors, machines and site security cameras, enabling secure access, push-to-talk, push-to-video and other applications. This work follows the agreement between Telefónica Germany and Nokia in January 2018 to create a joint Innovation Cluster to develop network solutions and technologies on the path to 5G.

Cayetano Carbajo Martin, Chief Technology Officer Telefónica Germany, said:

Credits: Telefónica Deutschland
Cayetano Carbajo Martin
“The consistent further development of the LTE standard has made many applications and use cases possible already today that we would not have expected before 5G. This cooperation between Nokia and Telefónica Germany, which addresses a concrete Industry 4.0 use case, shows the general opportunities that arise from the fast 4G development. In the same way it’s a solid base we can build on when 5G becomes a commercial topic in the near future.“ Grant Marshall, head of supply network and engineering in Nokia Operations, said: “This factory in a box project demonstrates how Nokia and mobile operators can already provide comprehensive solutions using 4G/LTE wireless technology that enable industrial companies to digitize processes, embrace IoT and leapfrog to the forth industrial revolution. Partnering with Telefónica has been instrumental in providing the connectivity for FiaB: the internal private networking which will be a stepping stone to 5G use cases, and the external LTE connectivity for backhauling data to the cloud.”

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About Telefónica: Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the Prime Standard (TecDax). With its subsidiary Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG, the company is operationally active in the private and business customer areas. With its brand O2 as well as various secondary and partner brands, the company offers postpaid and prepaid mobile telecommunications products as well as innovative mobile data services based on the latest mobile telecommunications technologies such as LTE. As an integrated communications provider in the area of fixed networks, it also offers telephony and high-speed internet products for private customers as well as innovative IP telephony and networking solutions for business customers. With 50.4 million lines (as of 31 December 2017), Telefónica Deutschland is one of the three leading integrated telecommunications providers in Germany. In the mobile segment alone, the company is responsible for almost 46 million lines, making it the network operator with the most mobile customers in Germany. Revenue in financial year 2017 totalled EUR 7.30 billion. Telefónica Deutschland is part of the Spanish telecommunications group Telefónica S.A., headquartered in Madrid. With a presence in 21 countries and a customer base of 343 million lines, Telefónica Group is one of the largest telecommunications companies around the world.