SMS group and MUGLER commission private 5G network in Hilchenbach

SMS group is one of the first companies in the metals industry to deploy a private 5G standalone network at its Hilchenbach site.

Together with MUGLER and Ericsson, private network infrastructure was deployed there in record time to test and further develop a range of applications for automation and digitalisation in the metals industry.

Pioneering work in Hilchenbach: private 5G networks for the future of the metals industry

In collaboration with Ericsson and Mugler, SMS group has launched a pioneering project that could revolutionise the use of 5G technology in the metals industry. A private 5G campus network has been installed in Hilchenbach for research and development. The network enables the testing and further development of real-time applications that are essential to meeting the requirements of the modern metals industry.

What makes 5G so special?

5G offers data transmission speeds up to ten times faster than existing LTE networks, with an impressive data rate of 10 Gbit/s. This speed is more than a technical upgrade: it also offers significant benefits for safety, flexibility and environmental sustainability in production.

A focus on innovation

A range of applications is being tested at the Hilchenbach site, including automated vehicles, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and lone worker safety solutions. These trials are part of a broader initiative supported by funding from the German federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to further advance the development and adoption of 5G.

A network for the future

The private 5G network enables SMS to test innovative solutions at an industrial scale. This campus network provides the foundation for a wide range of use cases relevant to customers worldwide. It offers a platform for applying findings from funded research projects and programmes such as 5G-Furios, Horizon 2020, Zero-SWARM and CLOUD56.

Perspectives from the partnership

Stefan Richter, Head of Local and Private Campus Networks at Mugler, highlights the importance of the collaboration: “This partnership enables us to make significant progress in industrial digitalisation and develop new solutions.” Jens Petri, Head of Technologies and Partnerships at SMS digital, adds: “We are bringing a sensor solution to market that enables manufacturing companies to transmit and process data using 5G connectivity.”

About SMS group

SMS group is recognised worldwide for technological innovation and outstanding service in machinery and plant engineering for the metals industry. With more than 150 years of experience and revenue of approximately €2.6 billion, SMS is a reliable partner for demanding projects that create resource-efficient, carbon-neutral value chains.

About Mugler SE

Mugler SE is a leading telecommunications network service provider and system integrator in Germany. With more than 540 employees, the company offers comprehensive solutions for telecommunications infrastructure, from planning and implementation to support.

For further information, including details of the use cases, read the joint press release.