Focusing on industry transformation through "5G x AI," with an increasing number of local 5G practical cases in Japan and abroad--Eiko Ikutame (Business Development Manager, Nokia Solutions & Networks)
ODAIBA IX Core/Industrial Transformation (IX) Leaders
Leaders Transforming Industrial Technology (No. 5)

'The demand for private wireless networks, including local 5G, is steadily increasing. Nokia has been involved in the private wireless business for more than 10 years, and we have already deployed in more than 850 companies globally," said Mr. Ikeda, Business Development Manager at Nokia Solutions & Networks' Cloud & Network Services (CNS) business unit. Eiko Ikutame, Business Development Manager in the Cloud & Network Services (CNS) Division at Nokia Solutions & Networks, says, "We have already seen more than 850 customers globally deploy private wireless networks over the past 10 years. She points out that even in Japan, the focus is shifting from proof-of-concept (PoC) to actual operation.

In this context, Nokia is currently focusing on the use of MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), which it offers as industrial edge equipment. The MXIE is positioned as a mission-critical industrial edge that not only provides core network functions at the edge, but can also offer industrial applications," said Ikutame. On-site, it can serve as a link between AI and 5G. We are also enhancing our AI-focused applications, such as MX Workmate, a generative AI and LLM-based assistant application for on-site workers.

Not only providing private wireless "parts" including local 5G such as core networks and base stations, but also focusing on providing an edge that integrates 4G/5G/Wi-Fi and can also run apps such as MXIE, which provides a fully digitized platform for industrial campuses. The reason for this is that Nokia is committed to "Beyond Connectivity". Mr. Ikutame said, "It is difficult to find added business value, cost savings, operational efficiency, sustainability, and other values just by providing connectivity. To solve problems and increase profits, a network that incorporates OT data computation capabilities and AI-based applications, etc. is needed. At Nokia, we are focusing on how to weave together use cases in '5G x AI,'" he said.

Meanwhile, the number of domestic examples of realistic use cases for local 5G is steadily increasing. "Subaru has adopted Nokia's network for a local 5G installation at the Subaru Research and Experiment Center Mibuka test site in Hokkaido, Japan. It will be used for verification in preparation for tests related to cooperative automatic driving, which prevents collisions between moving vehicles," said Ikutame. The choice was made to ensure reliable communication even at high speeds and to provide wireless area coverage for the entire circumference of the 4-km-long circuit course. This is also the case with NSSOL as a partner in Japan. Mr. Ikutame said, "Through the verification experiment, NSSOL and other partners have steadily accumulated knowledge and experience.

In Japan, the motivation to automate and improve efficiency is becoming more apparent due to the shortage of workers and aging population. The pressing issues are how connectivity, such as 5G and local 5G, can increase profits and reduce costs, and how it can lead to more effective use of human resources and energy savings," said Ikutame.

In other countries, diverse examples of private wireless are leading the way. Ground-based use is expanding, especially in examples of major companies, such as the control of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) and other equipment at factories of Volkswagen, Bosch, and others, and the application of MR (Mixed Reality) to aircraft maintenance at Lufthansa Airlines. Progress is also being made in private wireless using millimeter waves, for example, with a recent example of its use in Italy taking shape.

Furthermore, "In the field of public safety, such as police and firefighting, remote control and data transmission of Nokia drones using cellular technology is being introduced in Belgium," said Ikutame. For more futuristic applications, "As early as February 2025, a private wireless environment using Nokia's cellular technology will be established on the Moon. The fact that it can be used in a harsh environment like the moon's surface will be an advantage for industrial applications," said Ikutame, giving a sense of the future expansion of private wireless.