Mobile operator COSMOTE has deployed the first LTE-based private campus network in Greece for smart manufacturing, it has announced. The new deployment, at a production facility belonging to Greek solar thermal manufacturer Calpak, uses a localised chunk of licensed spectrum from COSMOTE and LTE networking equipment from Ericsson.
US industrial IoT firm PTC is providing machine connectivity and augmented reality (AR) platforms; Greece-based Gizelis Robotics is providing connected robotic arms. COSMOTE, a joint venture between the Greek government and Germany-based Deutsche Telekom, has handled deployment of the LTE network and integration of the industrial IoT componentry at the site, presented by Calpak as a “fully-automated” and “state-of-the-art” facility, situated in Loutraki, on the Gulf of Corinth, in Corinthia, Greece.
Ericsson was involved in the design, also. COSMOTE is also handling the ongoing network management. The network is upgrade-able to 5G. As a campus network, the functionality is designed to play with the public network, as well, for asset tracking and other connected logistics exercises. The pair talked-up the “excellent security and flexibility” of the setup, geared to “resolve key challenges of smart manufacturing”.
PTC’s ThingWorx platform will manage machine learning algorithms and data analytics procedures, to orchestrate connected robot arms on factory lines at the site. New industrial machinery will be hooked up to the system, as well. Calpak is to introduce remote production monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote expert guidance to legislate for production line malfunctions. It expects to lower costs, and increase productivity and quality at the site.
Kostis Konstantinidis, chief executive at Calpak, said: “We are eagerly investing in the ‘fourth industrial revolution’. We are transforming our plant into the first smart factory in Greece to use a cellular campus network, hoping to motivate other Greek companies to join us on this path. This important step is part of our ongoing effort to add value to our products to the benefit of our customers, and increase our competitiveness in Greece and abroad.”
George Pappas, chairman and managing director at Ericsson Hellas, said: “At long last, we are witnessing the realization of the great potential of mobile broadband and in particular the use of 4G/5G technology for improving the productivity and competitiveness of the Greek manufacturing sector. This is a historic moment for Ericsson in Greece, as we are adding yet another key ‘first’ to our long and successful presence in the country.”
Grigoris Christopoulos, group chief commercial officer at COSMOTE parent company OTE Group, said: “We have the know-how and experience to provide businesses with innovative solutions that accelerate their digital transformation… and help the Greek economy to grow… With technology as our ally, along with 5G’s unlimited possibilities, we will create a better world for all.”
George Pappas, Chairman and Managing Director of Ericsson Hellas, stated: “At long last, we are witnessing the realisation of the great potential of mobile broadband and in particular the use of 4G and 5G technology for improving the productivity and competitiveness of the Greek manufacturing sector. This is a historic moment for Ericsson in Greece, as we are adding yet another key ‘first’ to our long and successful presence in the country.”
Evaggelos Gizelis, chief executive at Gizelis Robotics, said: “Calpak’s ‘smart factory’ in Greece came true through a complex robotics project. With the use of robots and cobots, manufacturers will leverage on and benefit from the combination of machine learning, specialized software, big data and robotics to gradually transition to new and unprecedented levels of efficiency and competitiveness.”
