New Zealand has achieved a telecommunications milestone with Spark and Air New Zealand launching the country’s first 5G private network. Deployed at Auckland Airport, this network brings cutting-edge connectivity to Air New Zealand’s logistics warehouse. The initiative is powered by Ericsson’s 5G platform, allowing real-time communication within a complex warehouse setup.
The adoption of 5G technology is a game-changer in logistics operations. Drones coupled with autonomous robots now perform stocktakes, replacing the traditional, labor-intensive manual counts conducted twice a year. This transition not only boosts inventory accuracy but also enhances operational safety and efficiency by minimizing the risks associated with human activity in challenging warehouse environments.
Central to the innovation is Captis, an autonomous mobile robot with an integrated drone from Canadian company Cypher Robotics. Captis is designed to scan barcodes throughout the warehouse, transmitting data instantly to a dedicated app. This technological advancement offers daily stock visibility, which streamlines decision-making and boosts productivity, thereby eliminating the need for frequent physical audits.
Safety improvements are notable. Previously, staff needed to climb significant heights to manually scan shelves. Now, the robotic system significantly reduces these hazards. As Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar notes, this advancement demonstrates the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter and safer operations.
Looking beyond inventory management, Spark and Air New Zealand are exploring further applications. For instance, 5G-connected cameras could monitor PPE compliance around active vehicles, with AI analyzing footage in real-time. Spark’s customer director of enterprise and government, Mark Beder, emphasizes the broader implications for various industries, as increased automation can improve productivity and safety across the board.
The robust data generated by this system could also enable the creation of a digital twin of the warehouse. This virtual replica could simulate different scenarios, optimize layouts, and even predict maintenance needs, offering transformative insights into operations.
Previously, in September 2024, Spark New Zealand selected Nokia as a key supplier for expanding its existing 4G and 5G infrastructure across cities nationwide. The ongoing use of Nokia’s AirScale portfolio aims to enhance connectivity across more than 700 sites.
