Ericsson : 5G Pilot launched to make Swedish mines safer and more productive

May 27, 2015, 08:00 (CEST) Download:

• 5G technology will be used to improve safety and productivity in hazardous environments
• The pilot is a joint cooperation between Ericsson, ABB, Boliden, SICS Swedish ICT and Volvo CE as part of the 5G for Sweden program

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is to launch a pilot project that will use 5G technology for communication and remote control operations. A collaboration between several Swedish companies, the project is set to improve productivity and safety in the Swedish mining industry.

In the initial phase of the project, a 5G development system consisting of new and existing technologies will be utilized to remotely control a Volvo truck used for transporting ore in a mine operated by Boliden.

Called the Pilot for Industrial Mobile Communication in Mining, the project is being undertaken as part of the 5G for Sweden program.

Launched by Ericsson in March this year, 5G for Sweden has quickly gained momentum. It gathers major industrial players, universities and research institutes with the aim of developing ICT solutions based on 5G standards.

The mining industry pilot is a joint cooperation between Ericsson, ABB, Boliden, SICS Swedish ICT and Volvo Construction Equipment. Its aim is to find solutions that can be applied in an industry that has traditionally been seen as having a hazardous and challenging operational environment.

By harnessing 5G technology, which can accommodate the industry's very high requirements on latency and reliability, productivity can be increased, while improving safety for those working in the mines.

Torbjörn Lundahl, Program Manager for 5G for Sweden, says: "The successful implementation of such technology could and should lead to improved safety. More connected machines and devices mean fewer people will be required to work underground. The seamless integration of over- and underground activities will help improve safety and productivity, as well as enabling better monitoring and remote control."

Mikael Walter, System Technology Manager, Boliden, says: "We are constantly seeking to refine and develop our work practices and processes, and we can clearly see the benefit of digital technology in the mining industry. I really look forward to seeing the results."

Sara Mazur, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Research, says: "We are eager to research the challenges faced by the mining industry. The idea is to identify areas where mining operations can be improved through the use of mobile communication. This is in line with Ericsson's vision of a Networked Society in which everything that can benefit from being connected, will be."

The 5G for Sweden program is designed to drive digitalization. It should strengthen the competiveness of Swedish industry through the effective development and integration of ICT solutions into products and services based on 5G.

The program will initiate research that can be applied across industries and can help to create new projects at universities and research institutes, as well as several industry pilots of possible 5G solutions.

Ericsson 5G Media Kit - http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/mediakits/5g

NOTES TO EDITORS
Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud- are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries,we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2014 were SEK 228.0 billion (USD 33.1 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

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