Thames Freeport - Britain's Trading Future

B T [ 78 ] But the partnership is also exploring how 5G connectivity and other emerging technologies like AI, IoT and Connected Autonomous Vehicles can be used together to enhance health and safety, physical security and address climate change through the monitoring of traffic and air quality across the port and other parts of Belfast. BT is leveraging the existing CCTV fibre to enable multiple exciting new technologies to securely share the bandwidth. Currently, work is being carried out on 5G remote controlled inspection technology to reduce the need for staff to work at height, keeping human beings firmly on the ground. The project is also looking at how best to use sensors to monitor air quality and other environmental factors to support Belfast Harbour and the wider city in achieving its green recovery and sustainability ambitions. At Belfast, 5G networks play a crucial role. This is because connectivity, in the form of fixed, mobile and converged networks, is the necessary infrastructure to support rich, diverse ecosystems — the equivalent of the soil, river and climate that supports a rainforest’s rich biodiversity. All the technological benefits of a smart freeport are reliant on super-fast connectivity. Access to fixed and mobile networks enables organisations to connect in ways tailored to exact requirements, supporting the new age of digital transformation essential to the operations of freeports throughout the UK. Vitally, this kind of connectivity is also available to businesses operating within the freeport itself. 5G private networks, wearable devices, IoT, data analytics, artificial intelligence and mobile edge computing can all make a difference to factory outputs, for example, by making intelligent, dynamic and fully automated manufacturing processes a reality. In one such example, engineering company Worcester Bosch is working with BT to create a smart factory where machines can learn and adapt to changes on the factory floor as they happen, and make instant, autonomous decisions to optimise the production line. Worcester Bosch is boosting overall productivity by using autonomous robots to transport products and materials. It is installing collision-detection sensors — connected over the 5G private network — to enhance health and safety on the factory floor. Here BT is managing the 5G private network, as well as the Radio Access Network (RAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and the Multi Access Edge Computing (MEC) environment. But BT is also ensuring that the various technologies work in perfect harmony with each other, as well as supporting the interpretation of data generated by the connected machines. The project is part of BT’s partnership with the Worcestershire 5G Testbed, which is stimulating innovation across the manufacturing sector in the region. Connectivity is essential in driving a frictionless and thriving freeport and its wider ecosystem. Networks therefore have to be robust, reliable, and resilient to deliver consistent benefits. Reliability is one of the most important features of any network, and all users need confidence that the digital infrastructure they rely on is supported and secure at all times. The success of the UK therefore depends upon technologies delivered by a trusted partner with decades of experience and a vested interest in the success of the UK. This is one of the core strengths brought by BT to the development of the UK’s freeports. Networks and innovation are the organisation’s heritage and future. BT has held a central position in the UK’s BT is leading efforts to support customers with climate action through emerging technology 5G connectivity and other emerging technologies like AI, IoT and Connected Autonomous Vehicles can be used together to enhance physical security and address climate change