TOYOTA Engineering Selects Nokia for 5G Private Wireless Network

By Ken BriodaghJune 30, 2020

According to a recent release, Nokia, working with local systems integrator NS Solutions, will be deploying a new industrial-grade private 5G network at the TOYOTA Production Engineering Corporation (TPEC) manufacturing design center in Fukuoka, Japan.

TPEC uses digital engineering technology, hardware and software to introduce new tools and processes to vehicle manufacturing. According to the release, TPEC now will assess the use of LTE/4.9G and 5G private wireless networking across its manufacturing sites, with the aim of designing innovative production processes.

The plan calls for Nokia to initially deploy a private LTE/4.9G network at TPEC’s site that will support a range of IoT-based devices. Over time, the network will be upgraded to 5G, the companies said.

“TPEC conducts R&D on cutting-edge facilities and technologies, and is responsible for production preparation, facility development and design, and quality data management,” said Akihiro Onishi, Engineering Fellow, Engineering Innovation Division, TOYOTA Production Engineering Corporation. “By adding Nokia 5G private networking to our capability, we will contribute to TOYOTA's manufacturing through this new digital engineering technology.”

According to the release, Nokia will provide Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), an industrial-grade digital automation service platform that provides a private wireless network. It includes 4.9G/5G network equipment (core network, base station) and a cloud-based operation monitoring system.

The contract award builds on an existing business relationship between TOYOTA Production Engineering Corporation, NS Solutions and Nokia.

Ken Briodagh is a storyteller, writer and editor with about two decades of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.

Edited by Ken Briodagh