Ericsson’s 5G smart factory recognised as global lighthouse

Recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global front runner in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), Ericsson’s USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas has been identified as such for its deployment of next generation technology. 

Ericsson’s USA 5G Smart Factory is the first for the company to receive this recognition, the benefits the factory has experienced from adopting Industry 4.0 technology include: 

• 120 per cent improved output per employee and 65 per cent reduction in manual material handling using connected robots
• 24 per cent reduction in energy consumption and a 75 per cent reduction in indoor water usage with integrated environmental systems 
• Being powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity 

“Running fully automated factories using the latest technologies is part of our strategy for a more resilient and sustainable global supply chain. It shows our commitment to continue working close to our customers, ultimately enabling us to reduce emissions. This World Economic Forum designation highlights the transformative impact of 5G technology in general – and on our factories in particular – to benefit business and society at large,” commented Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson.

“This is a time of unparalleled industry transformation. The future belongs to those companies willing to embrace disruption and capture new opportunities. Today’s disruptions, despite their challenges, are a powerful invitation to re-envision growth. The lighthouses are illuminating the future of manufacturing and the future of the industry,” added Francisco Betti, Head of Shaping the Advanced Manufacturing and Production, World Economic Forum.

Investments made by Ericsson into its 5G Smart Factory

Investing in next generation supply chains to create a customisable, sustainable and end-to-end connected supply chain around the world, Ericssion has invested over US$100mn in its first US 5G Smart Factory.

In addition to these investments, Ericsson is fast-tracking next generation smart manufacturing at its factories in Estonia, China and Brazil.

When it comes to sustainability, Ericsson supports the Paris Agreement which it believes can be achieved by harnessing digital technologies such as 5G and IoT to reduce global carbon emissions by up to 15 per cent by 2030.

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