Germany – Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch) of Stuttgart is introducing 5G communications technology at its Industry 4.0 lead plant in Stuttgart-Feuerbach. Bosch claims it will enable the company to manufacture under previously unheard-of conditions, with data being transferred extremely reliably and ultra-fast, and machines reacting almost instantaneously. For the first time, wireless implementation will be possible for critical applications requiring absolute precision and safety – allowing people and machines to co-operate safely and without barriers. Bosch plans to gradually roll 5G out to roughly 250 plants around the world when the networks are available. In the coming months, its research campus in Renningen will also be transformed.

The company is also developing 5G-capable products and launching its first solutions for industrial use. A product of this change in technology is the ActiveShuttle, which is said to move effortlessly and autonomously over the shop floor, avoid people and vehicles, bypass storage boxes, steer purposefully toward the production line, stop, unload its freight, and set off again. Its use is becoming widespread in the Stuttgart-Feuerbach plant.