Ericsson's Private 5G Boost for Hitachi Rail Digital Factory

The application of private 5G technology illustrates how telecommunications carries the potential to modernise industrial transformation.

Look no further than the implementation of a private 5G network at Hitachi Rail’s leading-edge digital facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, led by GlobalLogic in partnership with Ericsson.

5G system serves as core infrastructure

Covering an impressive 307,000 square feet, Hitachi Rail's facility exemplifies one of the most sophisticated telecom-enabled manufacturing operations in North America.

Serving as the core infrastructure of the plant, the newly-integrated 5G system enhances automation, improves worker safety and supports predictive analytics, thereby setting a standard for smart industrial production.

The initiative showcases the potential for private cellular networks to be fundamental operational components, far surpassing the experimental phase to become essential for extensive industrial settings.

Joe Pozza, President of North America at Hitachi Rail, comments: “Our new digital factory in Hagerstown is more than just a train manufacturing site – it is a blueprint for the future of rail production worldwide, harnessing the latest AI, robotics and digital systems to deliver high-quality, smart and reliable manufacturing.

"The project exemplifies true One Hitachi, integrating IT, OT and product capabilities with digital to accelerate the creation of unique value on a global scale.

"Private 5G connectivity is a game-changer for advanced manufacturing environments. This secure, high-performance connectivity allows us to automate more processes, protect our workforce and accelerate innovation.”

Telco-driven industrial applications

The introduction of 5G at Hagerstown underscores the broad array of industrial applications made feasible by secure, low-latency, high-bandwidth wireless communications. 

This private 5G framework enables Hitachi Rail to implement:

• AI-based inspection systems that utilise real-time data for defect detection, supporting additive manufacturing advancements.
• Digital twins that replicate and simulate railcars prior to production, minimising errors and speeding up the market introduction.
• Predictive maintenance through industrial IoT, aimed at minimising downtime and prolonging the lifespan of equipment.
• Automated quality checks utilising rapid image analysis to enhance precision and decrease human error.
• IoT-driven material logistics, ensuring secure and efficient automated transport along the factory floor.

Alan Minney, Senior Director of Global Strategic Partnerships for Enterprise at Ericsson, adds: “To make Industry 4.0 real, manufacturers need secure, high-performance connectivity that is flexible and scalable.

"The project in Hagerstown shows how private 5G can power everything from predictive maintenance to collaborative robotics, while reducing energy usage and downtime.”

“We are proud to partner with GlobalLogic and Hitachi Rail to demonstrate the impact of 5G on sustainable manufacturing in the United States.”

Ultimately, the combined strengths of Hitachi Group’s expertise, Ericsson’s cutting-edge solutions and GlobalLogic’s holistic approach are driving the transformation of industry towards smarter, safer and more sustainable factories of the future.