#United States #Ericsson #Hagerstown #GlobalLogic #Hitachi Rail

Revolutionizing Rail Manufacturing with 5G Technology

In a groundbreaking development for the railway manufacturing industry, GlobalLogic Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi in the United States, along with telecommunications giant Ericsson, has implemented an advanced private 5G network at Hitachi Rail's latest factory in Hagerstown, Maryland. This cutting-edge facility is recognized as the most digitally advanced manufacturing plant by Hitachi Rail, covering a sprawling area of 307,000 square feet (approximately 29,000 square meters). The deployment of this 5G network is set to transform the digital landscape of the plant, enabling high-level automation, improved worker safety, and scalable innovative industrial solutions.

Innovative Features Enabled by Private 5G

The introduction of a private 5G network is set to unlock next-generation industrial functionalities, which include:

• - Physical AI: This technology employs real-time data acquisition and analysis, facilitating intelligent systems like inspection robots and canine robots to detect malfunctions. Furthermore, it supports the additive manufacturing process of spare parts and tools within the production environment.

• - Digital Twin: With high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity, engineers can simulate and optimize railway vehicle designs before manufacturing. This capability helps to reduce errors and accelerate time-to-market.

• - Predictive Maintenance: Secure real-time data through private wireless connectivity allows for the anticipation of failures, reduction of downtime, and optimization of equipment performance.

• - Automated Quality Inspection: Using advanced image processing technology, the system can swiftly and accurately detect defects, thus enhancing product reliability.

• - IoT for Material Transport: Seamless connection enables automated transport vehicles and devices to navigate safely and efficiently within the factory.

The private 5G network, characterized by ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, facilitates real-time execution of critical processes. This leads to significant improvements in efficiency, precision, and worker safety. The Hagerstown facility has the capacity to produce up to 20 railway vehicles monthly, making it a strategic hub for meeting the rising demand for advanced rail manufacturing across North America. It sets a new standard for smart manufacturing in a digital-first age.

Vision for the Future of Rail Production

Joe Pozza, the President of Hitachi Rail for North America, stated, “The new digital factory in Hagerstown is not merely a production site. It stands as a model for the future of railway manufacturing globally. By leveraging the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and digital systems, we achieve high-quality, smart, and reliable manufacturing. This project epitomizes our vision of 'True One Hitachi', integrating IT, OT, and products into a cohesive digital ecosystem that accelerates unique value creation on a global scale. Private 5G connectivity represents a game-changing element in advanced manufacturing environments, allowing us to automate more processes, safeguard our workers, and propel innovation.”

Alan Minney, Senior Director of Global Partnership Strategy at Ericsson for enterprise solutions, remarked, “To make Industry 4.0 a reality, having a flexible, scalable, secure, and high-performance connectivity environment is essential in manufacturing. The Hagerstown project showcases the capability of private 5G to support everything from predictive maintenance to collaborative robotics, contributing to a reduction in energy usage and downtime. We take pride in demonstrating the impact that 5G brings to sustainable manufacturing in the U.S. through the collaboration with GlobalLogic and Hitachi Rail.”

The Collaborative Effort Behind the Innovation

GlobalLogic has played a critical role in supporting this sophisticated and large-scale project, utilizing their cross-industry expertise that spans telecommunications and manufacturing, as well as advanced digital technologies ranging from semiconductor to cloud solutions. Their partnership with Ericsson, lasting over a decade, has been pivotal in this venture. As an official partner in Ericsson's private 5G ecosystem, GlobalLogic is responsible for providing comprehensive technical and business consulting, complete implementation and integration of the private 5G network into factory processes, and management of the network lifecycle along with end-to-end service delivery.

Sameer Tikoo, GVP of GlobalLogic's communications and network provider division, commented, “The introduction of a private 5G network is paving the way for new possibilities in the industrial sector—from advanced automation to energy optimization. By closely collaborating with the Hitachi Rail team, we are delivering ultra-reliable, low-latency, and high-security wireless connectivity. This is not just about high-speed connections; it is about establishing a resilient digital infrastructure necessary for modern industrial operations to maintain competitiveness, grow, and achieve sustainability goals.”

This pioneering project demonstrates how the synergy of Hitachi Group's expertise, Ericsson's advanced solutions, and GlobalLogic's comprehensive approach can transform the industrial field into smart, safe, and sustainable factories of the future.

For more information on GlobalLogic's 5G solutions, visit GlobalLogic.

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About Ericsson

Ericsson's high-performance networks connect billions of people every day. As a pioneer in communication technology development for nearly 150 years, Ericsson offers mobile communication and connectivity solutions for telecom operators and enterprises. Together with customers and partners, Ericsson is shaping a digital future.

Learn more at Ericsson.

About GlobalLogic

GlobalLogic (www.globallogic.com) is a leader in digital engineering, partnering with global brands to design and build innovative products, platforms, and digital experiences. By integrating experience design with advanced engineering and data expertise, we help clients envision their potential and accelerate their transition to tomorrow's digital business.

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic offers extensive expertise to customers across various domains, including mobility, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, media & entertainment, semiconductors, and technology.

As a member of the Hitachi Group, GlobalLogic promotes innovation through social innovation initiatives powered by data and technology for a more sustainable society.