On May 28, 2026, the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) welcomed around 120 participants to the House of Logistics and Mobility (HOLM) in Frankfurt for the 5G User Conference 2026. Under the theme “From Vision to Value – Realizing 5G in Industrial Operations”, the event brought together end users, technology providers, researchers, and industry experts for a full day of knowledge sharing, networking, and practical discussions around industrial 5G.
The conference focused on one central question: how can 5G deliver tangible value in industrial operations?
Across four dedicated use case sessions, speakers shared practical experiences from a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, mobility, transportation, aviation, and critical infrastructure. Rather than discussing future possibilities, the presentations concentrated on real deployments, lessons learned, operational requirements, and the realities of integrating 5G into industrial environments.
Several key themes emerged throughout the day. Participants discussed how industrial 5G is increasingly transitioning from evaluation and pilot projects toward operational deployment. Interoperability, certification, ecosystem maturity, operational reliability, and business value were recurring topics across presentations and discussions. While challenges remain, the overall sentiment was clear: the technology is maturing, deployments are growing, and organizations are gaining valuable implementation experience.
The conference highlighted the broad spectrum of industrial applications enabled by advanced wireless connectivity. Topics ranged from smart assembly and factory automation to robotics, remote operations, connected logistics, railway infrastructures, autonomous systems, and digital transportation environments. The discussions demonstrated how connectivity is becoming an integral part of industrial operations rather than a standalone technology layer.
A major highlight of the event was the exhibition area, where participants could experience industrial 5G solutions and live demonstrations firsthand. The exhibition showcased technologies spanning private networks, industrial automation, testing and validation solutions, robotics, artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced connectivity applications. The 5G-ACIA Demo Wall 3.0 provided an overview of the current industrial 5G ecosystem, illustrating the growing device landscape and technology stack available to industrial users today.
Beyond the presentations and demonstrations, the conference was characterized by a highly positive and collaborative atmosphere. Networking sessions throughout the day provided ample opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth conversations, exchange experiences, and discuss common challenges and opportunities. The strong interaction between end users, technology providers, and experts reflected the growing demand for practical insights and peer-to-peer learning.
One of the most engaging moments of the conference was the user round table discussion, where participants openly exchanged perspectives on industrial 5G adoption. The conversation highlighted both the progress achieved so far and the work that still lies ahead. Importantly, the discussion reinforced a shared conviction that industrial 5G is steadily moving toward broader adoption as technologies, standards, ecosystems, and deployment models continue to mature.
The 5G User Conference 2026 demonstrated the importance of bringing together users and technology experts to share experiences, discuss requirements, and shape the future of industrial connectivity. The event provided valuable insights, meaningful networking opportunities, and a clear indication that industrial 5G is continuing its journey from vision to value.
5G-ACIA would like to thank all speakers, exhibitors, partners, and participants for their valuable contributions and for making the event a great success.
Picture Copyright: Melanie Bauer
