- Creation of a private mobile network at Calpak’s state-of-the-art factory
- Integrated automated production ecosystem, incorporating robotic arms by Gizelis Robotics and Augmented Reality applications by PTC
- Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing at the service of Greek businesses and their global competitiveness
- 5G, the future of campus networks
COSMOTE designed and deployed the first cellular Campus Network in Greece, in partnership with
Ericsson, at
Calpak’s fully automated solar water heater production facility in Loutraki, Greece. The goal of this pioneering technological solution is to increase the factory’s productivity and enhance the company’s competitiveness in the global arena.
Snapshot from Calpak’s fully automated solar water heater production facility
The cellular campus network provides excellent security and stability, as it utilizes licensed spectrum, thus delivering top quality, high-reliability services without interference. Also, it supports full mobility of people and machines inside and outside the factory, while it provides unmatched flexibility for any future rearrangement of the production lines. Cellular Campus networks are an innovative connectivity solution that can contribute decisively to the digital transformation of Greece’s businesses, accelerating the transition to ‘Industry 4.0’ and smart manufacturing, as well as the digital transformation of key sectors of the economy, such as tourism, logistics, transport, infrastructure management (ports, airports), etc.
Snapshot from Calpak’s fully automated solar water heater production facility
The future of campus networks is 5G. With its near-zero latency, its very high capacity and data throughput, 5G is paving the way for even more advanced industrial applications, further benefitting not only the manufacturing process but the totality of a company’s operations.
Creating the factory of the future with cellular technology
For Calpak’s state-of-the-art factory, COSMOTE designed and deployed an innovative cellular campus network using Ericsson equipment, being also responsible for maintaining the network’s seamless operation. This network is designed to fully meet Calpak’s both current and future needs. Additionally, COSMOTE undertook the integration of the connected robotic arms of Gizelis Robotics, as well as
PTC’s leading Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Augmented Reality (AR) platform into this network. By the use of Machine Learning algorithms and Data Analytics procedures, critical data generated by the robotic arms are collected in almost real-time and utilized for providing a series of innovative applications, such as production monitoring from anywhere, the introduction of predictive maintenance processes and remote expert guidance in case of production line malfunctions. This integrated automated production ecosystem allows Calpak to increase its production and optimise its quality, while ensuring fewer disruptions in its operations and lower cost.
Snapshot from Calpak’s fully automated solar water heater production facility
Calpak CEO, Kostis Konstantinidis, noted: “
It is in Calpak’s DNA to continuously evolve and improve its production processes and products. This is why – in partnership with Ericsson, COSMOTE and Gizelis Robotics – we are eagerly investing in joining the 4th industrial revolution. With pride and passion, we are transforming our plant into the first smart factory in Greece using a cellular campus network, hoping to motivate other Greek companies to join us on this path. This important step is part of our ongoing effort to add value to our products to the benefit of our customers, and increase our competitiveness in Greece and abroad.”
OTE Group Chief Commercial Officer Business Segment, Grigoris Christopoulos, stressed: “
At COSMOTE we have the know-how and experience to provide businesses with innovative solutions that accelerate their digital transformation, enhance their competitiveness, and, as a result, help the Greek economy to grow. Through the implementation of complex tech projects, such as the first mobile campus network in Greece, we prove that we lead the technological developments. With technology as our ally, along with 5G's unlimited possibilities, we will create a better world for all.”
George Pappas, Chairman and Managing Director of Ericsson Hellas, stated: “
We are very pleased with this key partnership with COSMOTE, and with pioneering Greek companies Gizelis Robotics and Calpak, as well as with industrial platforms leader PTC. At long last, we are witnessing the realisation of the great potential of mobile broadband and in particular the use of 4G/5G technology for improving the productivity and competitiveness of the Greek manufacturing sector. This is a historic moment for Ericsson in Greece, as we are adding yet another key ‘first’ to our long and successful presence in the country.”
The CEO of Gizelis Robotics, Evaggelos Gizelis, underscored that “
Gizelis Robotics makes a dynamic contribution with its know-how, in order to create a ‘smart factory’ as part of the agile manufacturing in the Greek and international industry. Calpak’s ‘smart factory’ in Greece came true through a complex robotics project. With the use of robots and cobots, manufacturers will leverage on and benefit from the combination of machine learning, specialized software, big data and robotics to gradually transition to new and unprecedented levels of efficiency and competitiveness.”