VDMA Wireless Communications for Machines (WCM) and 5G-ACIA have jointly announced that they will be collaborating on industrial 5G. Within this framework, they will strive for a diverse, competitive, and secure 5G ecosystem for industry and mechanical engineering. Their announcement also lays the groundwork for creating mechanisms for their respective organizations to effectively cooperate and share on industrial 5G. The mission of VDMA WCM is to promote the technology-neutral use of radio-based solutions in mechanical and systems engineering while lowering the barriers to entry. For all players in the value chain, synergies need to be strengthened and the prerequisites met for sustainably developing competitive, top-of-the-line technologies. Not only technical but also organizational aspects need to be taken into account for introducing radio-based solutions to machines, production systems, and companies. This will create a win-win situation for all participating enterprises based on know-how sharing among all members sand on the broad VDMA network.

The mission of 5G-ACIA is to enable the best possible use of mobile radio, and especially 5G technology, by relevant industries and especially the manufacturing and process sectors. 5G-ACIA is committed to ensuring that the unique interests and aspects of the industrial sector are adequately considered in connection with 5G standardization and regulation. It also works to make sure that ongoing 5G developments are understood by and transferred to players in the industrial domain. This includes possible integration concepts and migration paths, in addition to evaluating key technologies that emerge from 5G standardization bodies.

Ralf Neubert, Schneider Electric und Chairman of the VDMA WCM: “New approaches and joint activities are needed to meet the growing requirements of mechanical and systems engineering companies and achieve targeted, interoperable integration of industry-appropriate radio-based solutions. Effective cooperation between the VDMA Wireless Communications for Machines and 5G-ACIA will benefit all of our members.” Dr. Andreas Mueller, Chairman of 5G-ACIA added: "5G is the key technology for the factories of the future and can take Industrie 4.0 to the next level. Working closely with the mechanical and electrical engineering industry is an important step in making the industrial 5G vision a reality.  We are pleased to be working more closely with AG WCM."