The Port of Tyne, in collaboration with BT and Ericsson, has launched a groundbreaking 4G and 5G private network, making it the first smart port in the United Kingdom to deploy site-wide standalone connectivity.
In particular, the private 5G wireless network will enable various applications, including autonomous vehicles, survey drones, smart surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality.
Initial use cases, starting in November, involve automatic number plate recognition for secure vehicle access and AI-driven container inspection. The UK port aims to integrate these advanced technologies to meet customer demands and transition into an eco-friendly smart port.
By deploying a private 5G wireless network, the port is positioning itself to integrate a series of future 5G applications and advanced technologies to support new customer requirements and enable the transition to a green smart port. These future applications include autonomous navigation technology and remote crane operations. Additionally, the network will include connected drones at land and sea, wearable technology and XR devices and a connected eco-system of AI sensors.
Ashish Gupta, managing director of Corporate and Public Sector at BT, commented, “What makes 5G so exciting is it allows innovative use cases which help businesses do things quicker, safer, smarter, better.”
