CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) today announced a new collaboration with Microsoft to create a converged private wireless network platform, enabling new low-latency and mobile applications and optimized to transform the industrial manufacturing sphere.
According to a press release, CommScope has successfully deployed the combined platform, which uses Microsoft Azure private MEC and CommScope CBRS access points, in its own manufacturing innovation center in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Through the cloud-connected, low-latency private wireless network, CommScope said it is already improving both the operational efficiency and manufacturing agility of its facilities.
The deployed solution brings augmented reality applications and cloud-based manufacturing tools to factory engineers.
Such capabilities include immersive technology training, aggregated assembly line data, and real-time remote assistance to improve production ramp times and worker capabilities.
CommScope said it is also leveraging its low-latency wireless network to mobilize testing equipment across the lab's production line.
For example, specialized microscopes are now mobilized so that fiber-optic quality testing can be done anywhere, in real time, as opposed to pulling product off the line.
“CommScope is excited to work with Microsoft to enable the next generation of private wireless networks,” commented Upendra Pingle, SVP Intelligent Cellular Networks, CommScope. “We have deployed Microsoft’s private MEC platform in combination with CBRS access points in our own manufacturing innovation center to improve operational efficiencies. Together, we are showcasing the immediate, real-world advantages of private networking in industrial manufacturing, as our combined solution paves the way for the evolution of private wireless networks and manufacturing.”
“We see a tremendous opportunity to transform workforce efficiency by making it easy to deploy and develop private wireless that can underpin agile factories,” added Shriraj Gaglani, GM for Azure for Operators at Microsoft. “We collaborated with CommScope to implement use cases that increase worker and production line efficiency, and to help incubate and inspire industry 4.0 transformations.”