Nokia to develop private 5G-ready LTE network for terminal automation

June 28, 2019 – Nokia is bringing its digital automation platform for mobile machinery and the Industrial Internet of Things to help build and operate a private LTE network in a new two-year partnership agreement with Ukkoverkot, a private LTE network provider, and Kalmar (part of Cargotec), a developer of terminal automation and cargo handling.

A test network reflecting an actual terminal environment will be built for research and development purposes. Machine-to-machine communication will be tested in the new private 4G/LTE (Long-Term Evolution) environment and compared against previous wireless technologies with the focus on developing innovative business applications.

According to Nokia, this connectivity technique is more reliable and enables more secure communication than Wi-Fi. Private LTE provides the low latency, high-capacity connectivity combined with edge computing required for time-sensitive critical industrial applications enabling real-time analytics and video-based applications such as machine remote control – key elements of robust digital industrial environments.

“We believe the new 5G-ready LTE solution will be an asset to our business, and we look forward to initiating testing in this digital automation environment,” says Pekka Yli-Paunu, director of research at Kalmar. “The private LTE network will provide the security and real-time video footage needed for reliable remote control of our operations.

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“The digital automation platform with its connectivity and application layers makes it possible for us to test new service products and concepts. That gives us the opportunity to demonstrate to our customers how our new services work, which is particularly valuable,” Yli-Paunu adds.

The Nokia-built network will allow for machinery to be connected over reliable private local LTE or 5G networks, enabling automation, robotics, machine learning, analytics and real-time remote monitoring, which in turn increases cost-efficiency and adds value along the chain. Connections between industrial and safety-critical operators, such as Kalmar’s customers, are increasingly customized to meet the customers’ needs for capacity, usability and coverage.

“Our digital automation platform brings pervasive mobile broadband coverage for terminals, sensors, cameras and other devices for mission and business critical industrial connectivity and digital transformation,” says Stephan Litjens, general manager, Nokia Digital Automation. “Communication is essential for business efficiency and safety in cargo handling, be it between machines or machines and people. We are pleased to collaborate allowing companies to seize the Industry 4.0 opportunity.”