5G-ACIA and 5G IA signed a MoU to facilitate the roll-out of future plants and factories supported by a secure and trustworthy 5G communication network in Europe and across the globe. This new partnership aims to accelerate wireless research and development in smart manufacturing and process automation. In their respective domains, 5G-ACIA/ZVEI and 5G IA intend to cooperate, build and consolidate a successful global ecosystem for Industrial 5G. The MoU aims to strengthen the cooperative relationship and to foster a closer channel for exchanging views, joint marketing and promotion activities, as well as the identification of research needs, for example, supporting the framing of suitable public funding programs and initiatives.

The mission of 5G IA is to create the next generation of communication networks and services. Ubiquitous connectivity will enable the European industry to successfully compete on global markets, open up new innovation opportunities and facilitate the creation of new services to the benefit of the society, including innovative solutions for factories and for mobility.

The mission of 5G-ACIA is to ensure the best possible applicability of mobile radio especially the 5G technology for connected industries, in particular the manufacturing and process industries. 5G-ACIA will ensure that the interests and particular aspects of the industrial domain are adequately considered in 5G standardization and regulation. 5G-ACIA will further ensure that the ongoing 5G developments are understood by and transferred to the industrial domain. This includes possible integration concepts and migration paths, together with the evaluation of key technologies emerging from 5G standardization bodies.

Dr. Colin Willcock, Chairman of the Board of the 5G IA, stated: “As industries undergo a digital transformation process, it is vital that we collaborate across the various domains. For this reason, this MoU is important for bringing together the areas of 5G, Smart Manufacturing and Process Automation”.

Dr. Andreas Müller, General Chair of 5G-ACIA said: “5G represents a key enabling technology for the Factories of the Future and it may lift Industry 4.0 to the next level. A close collaboration between different companies and organizations across the entire ecosystem is essential for making the Industrial 5G vision become a reality. Therefore, we are very excited and happy about the closer collaboration with 5G IA. By joining forces, we will be able to accelerate the corresponding developments and to nurture a sustainable Industrial 5G ecosystem.”