Pioneering pilot to bring ground-breaking 5G technology to life for the first time

A ground-breaking 5G pilot has been unveiled, marking the first-ever use of 5G technology in an operational automotive environment in the UK. North has been appointed as the lead contractor to design, build, and support the £4.9 million project, which will take place near Vantec at the Nissan test track in Sunderland. This pioneering pilot focuses on the automation of last-mile logistics by operating a 40-tonne HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) without a driver.

Revolutionising Connected Automated Logistics (CAL)

In partnership with Nokia, the world's leading 5G solutions provider, North will access cutting-edge 5G technology to make the North East of England a global leader in advanced logistics. The project aims to address key challenges in Connected Automated Logistics (CAL) and is set to create a 5G core for the region, positioning it for future investment and growth.

Key Partnerships and Funding

The pilot project is supported by a diverse consortium, including The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), Sunderland City Council, Newcastle University, Coventry University, Connected Places Catapult, StreetDrone, and Perform Green. The consortium successfully secured £2.4 million from 5G Create, part of the UK government’s £200 million 5G testbeds and trials programme (5GTT). This funding will enable the development and testing of this innovative project.

North’s Role in the 5G Pilot

As the prime contractor, project manager, and systems integrator, North will provide the infrastructure necessary for testing and demonstrating the operational viability of 5G-enabled autonomous delivery. The project will remove the need for a driver in the 40-tonne vehicle, enabling remote teleoperations to control the vehicle, showcasing how 5G connectivity can revolutionise logistics and transportation.

Using AI to Enhance Technology

The project will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics to stress-test the 5G technology, ensuring it meets operational requirements and is secure from potential breaches. Over a 12-to-18-month test period, the consortium will evaluate the system's functionality and create a blueprint for future projects in automated logistics.

Glen Williams, Chief Executive for North said: “This is a significant milestone for 5G standalone technology in the UK. We know that the potential of 5G is tremendous, however, to realise it, we need to see more innovative projects such as this being driven forward across different sectors and UK regions.

“We were selected to fully design and deliver the next-generation connectivity for this pilot because of our exceptional track record for delivering high-performance innovative solutions, including our unique end-to-end approach which provides clients with a full service. This is coupled with our specific experience of delivering 5G technology and our partnership with Nokia, a global leader in 5G.

“We are looking forward to working with all of the stakeholders to take the technology out of the testbed and into a safe and controlled operational manufacturing environment for the first time.”

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “Ensuring we put the power of 5G to good use in our economy is front and centre of our efforts to build back better. We are leading the charge of this tech revolution by investing £200 million in cutting-edge trials across the UK. I'm looking forward to seeing how the project in Sunderland can use 5G to boost industrial productivity through the use of driverless vehicles.”

Paul Butler, Chief Executive, for the North East Automobile Alliance (NEAA) added: “5G enabled automated logistics is the next key innovation drive for last-mile logistics across the automotive sector. This project has the potential to deliver significant efficiency gains and put the North East at the forefront of connected and automated logistics technology. I am delighted that North, and partner Nokia, were successful, they bring with them vast knowledge and experience which will be a major benefit to the project.”

Richard Barrington Exec Consultant at Perform Green and 5G Work stream lead said: “The 5G CAL Partnership is building what is probably the most advanced 5G network in the UK in terms of its performance and advanced 5G capabilities, so we’re delighted that North and Nokia will be working with us to deliver this. They bring excellent skills to accelerate and de-risk the build, are providing access to the latest 5G technologies and will be supporting us through the life of the programme.”

5G Standalone private wireless networking will be provided using Nokia Digital Automation Cloud, a digitization service platform that features high-performance private wireless and edge computing. Compact and easy-to-deploy it comprises network equipment, a cloud-based operation monitoring system and industrial connectors that ease standard and industry-specific protocol connectivity.

Phil Siveter, Head of Nokia UK and Ireland, said: “Participation in this landmark initiative comprises a major step forward in the development of autonomous IoT-based logistics, and presents an outstanding showcase for Nokia 5G standalone private wireless capability as a key enabler.”
Sunderland was named as UK Smart City of the Year for 2020, recognising digital innovation and transformation.

Patrick Melia, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council, said: “The combination of our renowned industrial ingenuity with new 5G technology positions Sunderland extremely competitively in the global marketplace. And the collective expertise across the 5G CAL consortium is primed to make great progress in this field.

“Improving competitiveness to attract inward investment and boost exports are key drivers in our regionally focused investment to automate logistics for manufacturing. Accelerating and supporting economic growth through the creation of this exemplar will encourage further private and public sector investment, representing a major opportunity for us here in Sunderland and the wider North East region.”