BASF and Vodafone set up local 5G network in Schwarzheide
The chemical company BASF is expanding its Schwarzheide site (Oberspreewald-Lausitz) with a digital mobile communications infrastructure. A site-wide 5G campus network is to be set up there by the end of 2024. On Wednesday, the go-ahead was given for the expansion of the existing 5G test field. BASF is cooperating with Vodafone on this project and is investing a single-digit million amount. The network operates independently of the public mobile network and, according to the information provided, will bring extra-fast mobile communications to company and production sites.
A total of six antenna masts will be erected to provide the entire factory site with 5G technology. According to the company, the main benefits will be for the monitoring and maintenance of production facilities and the optimization of production processes. With the local 5G network, sensors, machines, robots and drones will communicate with each other in real time in future, explained Alexander Saul, Managing Director Corporate Customers at Vodafone Germany. "This will make the BASF site in Lusatia a pioneer in Europe's process industry."
In addition, the network with 5G saves up to 20 percent electricity and can connect up to one million objects and smartphones per square kilometer - ten times more than with previous technologies, he added. For the players, 5G is therefore a key technology for new automation applications, the use of robots and drones and the digitalization of production facilities.
"With the expansion of the 5G campus network, we are taking the next important step in the digitalization of our site," explained Jürgen Fuchs, CEO of BASF Schwarzheide. The 5G campus network will increase the site's competitiveness, strengthen the region's economic development and make it more attractive for skilled workers.
At the launch, Minister of Economic Affairs Jörg Steinbach (SPD) referred to his department's support for 5G application projects in Brandenburg, which is now bearing fruit. For example, digital infrastructures are being created with partners such as BASF and Vodafone in order to be able to use modern tools such as artificial intelligence in the future.
Since January 2022, use cases have been tested on a 5G test field on the factory premises - such as the installation of wireless sensors, 5G camera applications or the provision of mobile IT connections.
The cooperation between BASF and Vodafone in setting up a 5G network at BASF's Schwarzheide site also extends to the Chemistry Industry, as they aim to leverage 5G for monitoring and maintaining production facilities and optimizing production processes. With the implementation of this network, the Telecommunications sector is set to play a crucial role in the digital transformation of the factory, potentially leading to significant energy savings and the ability to connect a vast number of objects and devices.
Source: www.dpa.com
