Automated hoisting systems increase productivity, safety and operational performance but require fast reaction times, high precision, reliability and both manual and autonomous capabilities. However, several systems need to coexist on the same network with video cameras for monitoring and remote operation, and PLCs for various control functions, including automation, remote control and safety functions.
Schneider and Capgemini partnered to prove-out the use case for 5G networks driving industrial automation, demonstrating how 5G can successfully control automated equipment. Using 5G's native low latency characteristics, the system replaced fiber cables in remote-control operations, simplifying network complexity, reducing wires, and providing long-term reliable connectivity.
The hoist was installed at Schneider Electric's hoisting lab in Grenoble, France. Replacing wired connections with wireless and unifying existing wireless connections from Schneider Electric's industrial automation system, the 5G private network solution is demonstrating how it can simplify and optimize digital technology deployment at scale across industrial sites—from steel plants to ports.
"Digital transformation is helping Schneider Electric customers generate step-change advancements in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability, but not one company can do it alone," said Marc Lafont, vice-president, Innovation and Upstream Marketing at Schneider Electric. "This breakthrough end-to-end 5G private network hoisting solution is a perfect example of the power of working together as we pilot it at end-user sites this year. In addition, in the short-term, we will validate more industrial 5G use cases in various discrete manufacturing, hybrid automation, and process automation applications. In the mid-term, we will experiment with deeper integration of 5G technology inside our automation equipment."
The 5G private network hoisting solution:
- Replaces wired and other wireless connections for several critical PLC control flows and time sensitive video flows powering numerous use cases
- Operates in 3.8GHz radio frequency band, with an enterprise-grade Athonet core network and Airspan Small Cells using the Qualcomm FSM100 5G RAN Platform
- Beyond its core industrial functions, the Private 5G automated hoisting system can now be leveraged to deliver additional digital use cases, such as augmented operators enabled by XR (eXtended Reality) and wearable devices.
"The 5G end-to-end solution customized for Schneider Electric's hoisting system is a good example of the added value of 5G for industrial communication and really illustrates its potential to transform an industry segment," said Fotis Karonis, Group Leader of 5G and Edge Computing at Capgemini. "Advanced connectivity, 5G, and edge computing technologies are strong enablers and accelerators for this move towards a digital economy and innovative use cases. They allow industrial clients to redesign systems and processes and make them more efficient, agile, and intelligent."
In this three-way partnership, Capgemini helped Schneider Electric design an optimized end-to-end 5G solution and identify business outcomes on Schneider Electric's industrial use case. It also provided systems integration support based on Qualcomm Technologies' latest innovations and helped integrate, characterize and optimize the system.
"By enabling a pre-integrated solution with multi-vendor choice along with Open RAN automation and management technology to streamline deployment, management and customizability of private networks, we're helping reduce complexities and accelerate time to market globally," said Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President, Qualcomm Europe, Inc. and President, Qualcomm Europe/MEA.
Capgemini SE is a multinational information technology services and consulting company, headquartered in Paris, France employing 360,000 people in more than 50 countries with 2022 global revenues of about $23.7 billion.
Qualcomm Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif., creates semiconductors, software and services related to wireless technology.
Based in Rueil-Malmaison, France, Schneider Electric designs and builds industrial products, controls, software and services.