WEG announces the creation of an innovative project for the execution of practical connectivity tests for 5G network. Named as Open Lab WEG / V2COM, the project is conducted in partnership with the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) and the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to accelerate the development of economically effective solutions for the industry using 5G technology. 

Performing real tests, in one of the most automated and robotic factories with the highest level of automation and monitoring of WEG's shop floor, located in Jaraguá do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, there is the possibility to evaluate the application of devices and antennas with 5G technology in order to collect information on frequency ranges, execution period, power and other features required for applications. 

“We are providing our top level team to carry out the tests, which is focused on generating consistent data about the economic viability and balance point in the transition to the 5G technology, as well as allowing WEG to test and validate the performance of products and software in this new connectivity platform. Although the project is carried out in a manufacturing plant area, the benefits generated are not limited to the specific industry level as such applications are widely used in different environments ”, says Carlos Bastos Grillo, WEG Digital Business Director.

As stated by Guilherme Spina, Director of V2COM, a WEG Group company, there is a possibility to test in practice more than one 5G network in the same location, initially with a private network via operator and another with local infrastructure. “We will have different network architecture implementations, one conventional and the other virtual. We will also test antennas and 5G devices using millimeter waves as well as sub 6 GHz. These tests will provide data and information to Anatel to support the process to define requirements and conditions of frequency bands use, for the regulation and authorization of private networks for industrial use ”, explains Guilherme Spina. 

The tests will also generate data for new business types, considering different implementation environments. Another advantage is that the information can help companies to minimize risks and implementation costs of private 5G networks in industrial plants and farms, for example. 

The 5G network is considered today an advanced technology for the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution and a great technological promise to modify production platforms, bringing productivity and competitiveness gains.