Cargill has implemented NTT DATA’s private 5G network at 50 manufacturing and processing sites globally to support its digital transformation strategy. The deployment enables the use of robotics and a connected workforce in environments where traditional WiFi or wired infrastructure is difficult to maintain.

The network provides low-latency connectivity for Cargill’s rollout of SAP ERP systems, allowing frontline workers to access operational data via ruggedised tablets and smartphones. While the majority of the 50 sites are located in the United States, the company has also activated the technology at European facilities.

Operational applications of the private 5G network include:

• Deployment of “Spot the Dog” AI-powered robots for automated visual inspections
• Monitoring of equipment for hazards such as overheating
• Real-time production visibility and data-driven decision-making
• Improved safety monitoring in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas

Robert Greiner, a digital technology director at Cargill, said the private 5G infrastructure provides a secure foundation for the company’s edge AI and automation use cases. The initiative is expected to expand to additional global regions through 2026.

NTT DATA, which launched its enterprise private 5G platform in 2021, provides the connectivity as a managed service. The company stated that private 5G is becoming a foundational requirement for manufacturers expanding their use of intelligent automation and physical AI.