The aim is to optimize logistics processes and distribution chains within the factory warehouses in order to increase the efficiency of the warehouses themselves and the production line. Fleet management of self-driving vehicles (AGVs), intelligent AGVs based on the recognition of human gestures and virtual reality (VR) are the new applications being tested at the plant.

5G-Induce is a new project in the third phase of the H2020 5G Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership (5G-PPP) initiative of the European Commission and the European ICT industry to develop innovative 5G solutions. It focuses on the Industry 4.0 vertical sector as one of the fastest growing and most influential areas in the European economy with high potential for novel, virtualized application software developments leveraging the 5G architecture.

Together with important European industrial companies involved in the project, 5G-Induce has selected the Ford plant in Valencia. In addition to Ford and Ericsson, the consortium responsible for the 5G-INDUCE pilot project in Valencia consists of the high-tech SMEs ASTI Mobile Robotics, Fivecomm and Yerba Buena Virtual Reality and is also supported by Intel, Gestoos, the University of Burgos and the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

The 5G-INDUCE project addresses the specific requirements identified for the connectivity and modernization of the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) fleet in order to optimize the processes of the logistic distribution chain of goods between and within the warehouses of Ford plants. With this objective, the 5G-INDUCE project will set up and test three use cases at the Ford plant in Valencia: autonomous AGV fleet management, intelligent AGV processes based on the recognition of human gestures and virtual reality (VR) for the control of self-driving vehicles.

"The new technologies can improve the efficiency of the production line and thus increase the ability to innovate. This is essential nowadays due to the high level of competition. 5G is a tool to achieve this goal," says Alejandro del Portillo from the Manufacturing and New Technologies department at the Ford engine plant in Valencia.

The Ericsson Radio Access Network (RAN) and core solutions for the standalone 5G New Radio (NR) will be deployed at the Ford engine factory in Valencia to support the innovation projects and experiments of all partners involved. The technology leverages and extends Ericsson's 5G resources in the Stonic Co-Creation Laboratory, the open research and innovation lab for 5G technologies founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks. Intel, also a Stonic member, will also support the project with its edge computing technologies, expertise and innovation ecosystem.

"The potential of 5G technology is gradually unfolding as the digitalization of industry progresses and more and more players come together to shape new innovation ecosystems that deliver all-round solutions," says Manuel Lorenzo, Head of Technology and Innovation at Ericsson Spain. "The 5G Induce ecosystem is a shining example of this trend, as it gathers the world's best innovators in Industry 4.0, robotics, 5G, edge computing, VR and AI. Counting on the support of the European Union's 5G PPP program, Ericsson is happy to contribute to the success of this initiative with our technology and expertise in 5G solutions."