On April 1, 2025, Wirtek participated in the Industrial Applications with 5G event - part of the IoT & Wireless Club under the Nordic IoT Center, which Wirtek is a member of. Hosted by FORCE Technology and Pedab, the event featured insights from industry leaders, including Maersk, Verizon, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, and TDC Erhverv, focusing on how 5G is transforming industrial operations.
As industries move toward digital-first operations, the demand for fast, secure, and reliable connectivity has never been greater. 5G enables automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time data processing, providing businesses with the infrastructure needed to scale efficiently. The discussion highlighted how 5G is already driving innovation across various sectors, creating new opportunities for efficiency and growth.
5G serves as a foundational infrastructure for modern industrial operations, extending beyond a mere network upgrade.
One of the most compelling examples of 5G in action comes from the shipping industry. At Aarhus Harbour, Maersk is leveraging real-time data communication between equipment, vehicles, container cranes and personnel to streamline logistics.
Enhanced connectivity for seamless coordination of port operations.
Increased efficiency through automation and predictive analytics.
Improved network stability in high-density industrial environments.
This implementation showcases 5G's potential to revolutionize logistics and port operations.
Private 5G networks are becoming integral to Industry 4.0, offering organizations dedicated, secure, and customizable wireless infrastructures.
The global private 5G network market is projected to grow from USD 3.42 billion in 2024 to USD 5.1 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.1%.
Tailored network performance tailored to industrial needs.
Strengthened protection against cyber threats in mission-critical environments.
Scalable connectivity to support expanding IoT ecosystems.
Beyond connectivity, 5G is also reshaping how networks are utilised. Nokia has introduced the "Network as Code" platform, enabling businesses to develop applications that integrate directly with network capabilities through APIs.
Greater flexibility in how companies use and adapt their network capabilities.
New revenue streams through API monetization.
An expanded developer ecosystem fostering innovation and agility.
From AI-driven predictive maintenance to digital twins and smart wearables, the convergence of AI, IoT, and 5G technologies is driving significant advancements in industrial operations.
Digital Twins: Creating virtual replicas of physical assets for real-time monitoring and simulation.
Smart Wearables: Enhancing worker safety through connected devices providing real-time alerts and health monitoring.
Despite its potential, several challenges hinder widespread 5G adoption in industrial settings:
Achieving the full potential of 5G in industry requires collaborative efforts:
Public-Private Partnerships: Combining resources and expertise to accelerate deployment and innovation.
Investment in R&D: Fostering technological advancements and addressing existing challenges.
Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating cross-industry dialogue to share best practices and success stories.
With AI, IoT, and automation driving demand, businesses that embrace 5G today will be at the forefront of the next wave of industrial transformation.
The discussions made it clear: 5G is not just an upgrade - it’s a game-changer. From smart factories to autonomous logistics, 5G is enabling a more connected, data-driven industrial landscape. While challenges remain, businesses that take the leap now will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
References:
https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/private-5g-networks-global-market-report
https://www.processgenius.fi/en/blog/predictive-maintenance-in-manufacturing/
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/5g-security-and-resilience
https://wia.org/public-private-partnerships-maximize-5g-value-through-whole-network-approach
We are a Danish IT Services and Solutions company that provides software development, embedded engineering, R&D, Quality Assurance, and testing services to help clients worldwide.
We specialise in Energy, Wireless Communication, Automation & IoT, as well as helping clients within X-Tech. We also offer our own product solution portfolio for the energy and IoT sector.
At Wirtek, we prioritise building long-term client relationships, with some lasting over a decade. We believe that quality partnerships are just as important as software quality in achieving our clients’ goals.
Established in 2001 as a spin-off from NOKIA, we have offices in Denmark, Romania, and Portugal, and have been listed on Nasdaq First North Copenhagen since 2006.
Ticker Code: WIRTEK (DK0060040913)