Ericsson’s 5G Smart Factory Recognised by World Economic Forum

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16 March 2021

Ericsson’s Texas factory runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity and has been identified as a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) pioneer.

The World Economic Forum has awarded the site with its prestigious “Global Lighthouse” designation in recognition of Ericsson’s deployment of next-generation technology at the site and its subsequent impact – including a2.2 times improved output per employee when compared to a similar site without the automation and 4IR improvements.

The World Economic Forum identifies top-performing factories and explores insights from these “lighthouses”- of the world’s most advanced sites implementing technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The lighthouses are the factories that have taken Fourth Industrial Revolution technology from pilots to integration at scale, thus realising significant financial and operational benefits.

The site is the first Ericsson factory to receive this recognition by the Forum for adoption of 4IR technologies at scale with demonstrated benefits to date. 

Since commencing operations in early 2020, the USA 5G Smart Factory team has developed 25 different use cases, to be deployed at scale in less than 12 months.

65 Per Cent Reduction in Manual Material Handling

When compared to a similar site without its automation and 4IR improvements, the 5G automated factory with connected robots has delivered 120 per cent improved output per employee and 65 per cent reduction in manual material handling.

Integrated environmental systems have been designed to reduce energy consumption by 24 per cent, indoor water usage by 75 per cent when compared to a similar building and the factory is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.

Ericsson is also pursuing LEED Gold and LEED Zero Carbon certifications for the smart factory, which will make it the first Ericsson factory globally to achieve this distinction.

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, says: “Running fully automated factories using the latest technologies is part of our strategy for a more resilient and sustainable global supply chain. It shows our commitment to continue working close to our customers, ultimately enabling us to reduce emissions.

"This World Economic Forum designation highlights the transformative impact of 5G technology in general – and on our factories in particular – to benefit business and society at large.”

Francisco Betti, Head of Shaping the Advanced Manufacturing and Production, World Economic Forum, says: “This is a time of unparalleled industry transformation. The future belongs to those companies willing to embrace disruption and capture new opportunities.

"Today’s disruptions, despite their challenges, are a powerful invitation to re-envision growth. The lighthouses are illuminating the future of manufacturing and the future of the industry.”

Picture: a photograph of the Ericsson factory 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 16 March 2021

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