Efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness are key success factors in modern manufacturing. However, traditional network technologies such as WLAN often reach their limits: Machines and systems have to be coordinated with each other ever more quickly and dynamically in order to meet the requirements of highly complex and changeable production. Delays or a lack of prioritisation of machines quickly lead to bottlenecks, which not only disrupt the production flow but can also result in high costs.

To meet these challenges, the German-British innovation project ‘Intelligent Networks for Time Critical Manufacturing’ was initiated. It aims to develop intelligent 5G campus networks for manufacturing that specifically fulfil the time-critical requirements of Industry 4.0. EurA AG, together with renowned partners from industry and research, was able to secure a high level of funding for the pioneering project in the ‘ZIM UK Call’.

The development of the following core functions is planned:

  • Real-time control: 5G networks automatically prioritise the machines that are currently active.
  • Dynamic adaptation: AI-supported predictions enable flexible adaptation of 5G networks to production requirements.
  • Increased efficiency: The system's fast and precise responsiveness significantly increases productivity.

How can the core functions be developed?

Using edge computing and artificial intelligence, the production system records the production environment in real time and independently recognises which machines are currently active in the production hall and prioritises them. The 5G transmission technology ensures fast data transmission and dynamises the processes. The networking of sensors with the devices helps to monitor them, enabling them not only to react quickly but also to take proactive action. This innovative network technology will enable scalable and automated adaptation to growing production requirements in the future.

 

 

Edge Computing

Edge computing refers to the decentralised processing of data close to where it is generated, e.g. by IoT devices (Internet of Things) or local servers. In the context of the project, this reduces latency, saves bandwidth and enables more efficient real-time analyses. This is particularly important for time-critical applications such as Industry 4.0.



 


 

From network to project with the help of ZIM

The submission was made jointly with CampusGenius GmbH, the University of Duisburg-Essen, the University of Sheffield (UK) and TUBR LTD (UK). The project idea was developed within the ISKNET innovation network, which is managed by EurA AG. ISKNET is a ZIM-funded network that promotes the development of pioneering technologies for high-performance communication networks - from 5G to 6G. A particular focus is on campus networks - local mobile networks that are developed specifically for limited geographical areas such as companies, universities or production facilities. These networks offer a customised wireless communication infrastructure that is operated independently of public mobile networks.

The ‘ZIM UK Call’ was the fourth German-British call for funding for joint research and development projects by SMEs in cooperation with research institutions. On the German side, funding is provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) as part of the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM). The British partners are supported by the government innovation agency Innovate UK. The aim of these bilateral calls for funding is to strengthen cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions from both countries.

The funding of our project once again underlines the importance of the ZIM programme. It not only promotes innovative collaboration in networks, but also supports the resulting projects – in this case even at an international level.

The BMWK, AiF Projekt GmbH and Innovate UK facilitated and organised the call for funding.

 

The project was launched on 1 December 2024 (duration until 30 November 2026), and the results will make an important contribution to the digitalisation and automation of the manufacturing industry – not least thanks to the expertise of our partners. The successful funding application is also thanks to the close cooperation between the project sponsors VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, AiF Projekt and Innovate UK. We are delighted with their confidence in this forward-looking project.

Contact us to find out more about our work in the field of 5G communication networks for industry – together we are driving innovation forward!

 

Text: Christian Hammerich, Britta Rückriem
  

Christian Hammerich

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Christian Hammerich

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I have a bachelor's degree with a specialisation in marketing (2017) and a scientific master's degree (2020) with a focus on HRM, innovation and technology management. As a working student, I gained practical experience at EvoBus GmbH in human resources and at Lufthansa Cargo AG in Frankfurt in product management, especially in analysing market, competitor and customer data. I have been working as a project and network manager at EurA since 2021 and at the same time completed the IPMA® Level D - Certified Project Management Associate certification. In this role, I was responsible for the overall project management in the 5G-TELK-NF joint project, which aimed to set up a 5G campus network as a test field for autonomous driving and autonomous, unmanned flying. I am currently network manager of the ZIM network ISKNET, which is driving the development of new 5G & Beyond technologies.
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