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Mitsubishi starts 5G automation tests at a Japanese plant

18 May, 2020

Mitsubishi Electric has begun a demonstration test of 5G technology at one of its factories in Japan, designed to verify wireless transmission between local 5G base stations and the company’s factory automation products. It will also examine possible uses of local 5G systems, such as remote operation and maintenance support, as well as using augmented and virtual reality to enhance production efficiency.

5G, which achieves ultra-high speed, ultra-low latency and multiple simultaneous connections, will support advanced infrastructure applications using frequency bands mainly allocated to telecommunications operators. But in December 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) also began accepting applications from companies and local governments for local 5G systems that willow them to meet various communications needs, including those arising from the spread of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

MIC has granted Mitsubishi a licence to use 5G in a limited area of its Nagoya Works for demonstration operating on a different frequency band (28.2–28.3GHz) to those being deployed by telecoms operators

Mitsubishi expects to use the local 5G systems to create and deliver new services and businesses, based on a wide range of factory automation and other products. It is planning to start demonstration tests at other sites and laboratories as well as establishing new 5G infrastructures.

Mitsubishi Electric is planning to use 5G communications with a range of factory automation equipment

By the end of March, 2021, Mitsubishi plans to open a 5G Open Innovation Laboratory that will serve as a base for joint research and demonstrations with customers and partner companies, including networking equipment suppliers, aimed at creating new businesses and services.

Mitsubishi is also collaborating with partners to study possible uses for 5G and performing demonstration tests that incorporate basic 5G-related technologies, including communications systems, antenna technologies and high-frequency and optical devices. In addition, it is looking at using 5G in other parts of its business, including air-conditioning equipment, transport and electric power technologies.




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