GlobalLogic Ericsson Launch Private 5G at Hitachi Rail Plant

Post by : Meena Rani

Hitachi Rail, a leading global rail transport company, has taken a significant step in modernizing its rail manufacturing processes by deploying a private 5G network at its Hagerstown, Maryland, facility. This cutting-edge initiative is being carried out in collaboration with GlobalLogic and Ericsson, two technology leaders known for their expertise in digital engineering and telecommunications.

The Hagerstown facility, which spans over 307,000 square feet, manufactures rail vehicles and components used in passenger and freight transport across the United States. By integrating a private 5G network, Hitachi Rail aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance worker safety, and accelerate innovation in rail manufacturing.

Why Private 5G Matters for Manufacturing

Traditional factory networks, such as Wi-Fi or wired connections, often face challenges with speed, reliability, and coverage. A private 5G network provides a dedicated, high-speed, low-latency wireless connection within the factory premises. Unlike public mobile networks, a private network gives factories full control over data traffic, security, and device connectivity.

In the context of rail manufacturing, this means faster communication between machines, real-time monitoring of production lines, and the ability to operate automated robots and vehicles efficiently without any delay. The integration of this network is expected to bring a digital transformation to Hitachi Rail’s production process.

Key Features of the 5G Network at Hagerstown

The deployment of the private 5G network has several notable benefits:

• Enhanced Automation:

• The network supports advanced robotics and automated systems on the production floor. Machines can communicate with each other instantly, reducing human intervention and allowing precision manufacturing. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) move parts and materials from one area of the factory to another efficiently, ensuring smooth production flow.

• Improved Worker Safety:

• With real-time monitoring capabilities, the 5G network can detect safety hazards immediately. Sensors installed across the plant track machinery performance, worker locations, and environmental conditions. If a potential danger is detected, alerts can be sent instantly, helping prevent accidents and injuries.

• Predictive Maintenance:

• By collecting data from machines and analyzing patterns, the network allows predictive maintenance. This means potential equipment failures can be identified and repaired before they occur, minimizing downtime and preventing production delays. Predictive maintenance also reduces repair costs by addressing issues early.

• Digital Twins:

• Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets or processes. With the 5G network, Hitachi Rail can simulate manufacturing steps using digital twins. This allows engineers to test changes, optimize production workflows, and improve the quality of rail vehicles without impacting real-world operations.

• Seamless IoT Integration:

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors and smart machines, can now communicate in real-time over the private 5G network. This helps track inventory, monitor machinery performance, and coordinate production processes efficiently. IoT-driven solutions make the plant smarter and more responsive to changing demands.

Collaboration Between Hitachi Rail, GlobalLogic, and Ericsson

The implementation of the private 5G network is a collaborative effort:

• GlobalLogic, a digital engineering company, focuses on designing and deploying the network infrastructure and integrating it with factory systems. Their experience in software development, industrial IoT, and data analytics was essential in creating a solution tailored to Hitachi Rail’s needs.

• Ericsson, a leader in telecommunications and 5G technology, provided the network equipment and expertise to ensure reliable, high-speed, and secure connectivity throughout the facility. Ericsson’s technology ensures that the network can handle large volumes of data from sensors, robots, and machines without interruption.

Together, these partners have created a smart factory environment that demonstrates the power of combining industrial expertise with advanced digital technologies.

Benefits for Hitachi Rail and the Industry

The private 5G network at Hagerstown is expected to have a long-term impact on the way Hitachi Rail operates:

• Higher Production Efficiency:

• Real-time data exchange allows machines and robots to operate at peak performance. Tasks that previously required manual intervention can now be automated, reducing production time and improving output.

• Better Product Quality:

• Digital twins and continuous monitoring help detect defects early in the production process. This reduces errors, ensures consistency in manufacturing, and enhances the overall quality of rail vehicles.

• Faster Innovation:

• With data flowing seamlessly across the facility, engineers can experiment with new manufacturing techniques, test prototypes, and implement improvements more quickly. This accelerates the pace of innovation.

• Global Benchmark:

• The Hagerstown plant is becoming a model for other manufacturing facilities worldwide. The successful integration of private 5G demonstrates how factories can leverage modern technology to create safer, smarter, and more efficient production environments.

• Sustainability and Cost Savings:

• Optimized operations reduce energy usage and material waste. Predictive maintenance and automated processes lower operational costs, making the plant more sustainable and economically efficient.

The Future of Rail Manufacturing

The adoption of private 5G networks marks the beginning of a new era in rail manufacturing. Hitachi Rail’s Hagerstown facility shows that digital transformation is not just about technology but also about creating safer workplaces, increasing efficiency, and enabling continuous innovation.

As more factories adopt 5G-enabled automation, digital twins, and IoT systems, the manufacturing sector is expected to become more interconnected and intelligent. This transformation could lead to better products, faster production cycles, and a more competitive industry worldwide.

Hitachi Rail’s private 5G network at its Hagerstown plant highlights the critical role of modern technology in manufacturing. By combining the strengths of GlobalLogic and Ericsson, the company has created a smart, efficient, and safe manufacturing environment. The initiative demonstrates how rail manufacturing is embracing the future, leveraging connectivity, automation, and data-driven insights to maintain a leadership position in the global market.

With this upgrade, Hitachi Rail is not just building trains—it is building a blueprint for the factories of tomorrow, where digital innovation meets real-world manufacturing to create a smarter, safer, and more efficient industry.

Private 5G network, Hitachi Rail, Hagerstown plant, GlobalLogic