NMIS 5G trial explores future of industrial connectivity in Ayrshire

A collaborative project at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland’s (NMIS) Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine has demonstrated how private 5G mobile networks could support growing demand for secure, high-capacity connectivity in modern manufacturing.

Interest in 5G within manufacturing continues to grow, driven by the need for faster and more secure connectivity to support increasingly data-driven production systems. However, many organisations remain uncertain about how the technology will perform in real operational environments. 

To address this, the project simulated a manufacturing use case and tested network performance under increasing demand in a controlled, factory-like setting. Funded in part by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s 5G Innovation Programme in Ayrshire, it brought together experienced teams from NMIS, Merck, North Ayrshire Council and Folk Consulting. 

The trial used a private 5G mobile network deployed at the DPMC, where engineers developed a simulated plant room environment based on Merck’s industrial processes. The setup was designed to replicate common manufacturing equipment, including pumps, fans and control systems, without relying on live operational data. 

Working alongside Folk Consulting, NMIS designed the data generation approach and validated the flow of information through the network to ensure it reflected industrial conditions.

The system was then tested under progressively increasing loads, reaching an average data throughput of more than 97 megabits per second (Mbps), with peaks above 100 Mbps. The results suggest the system could support hundreds of simulated industrial environments simultaneously.

As manufacturers adopt more connected systems and data-driven processes, demand for secure and reliable wireless connectivity is expected to rise. The findings provide practical insight into how private 5G networks perform under manufacturing-style conditions and help reduce uncertainty around uptake of the technology.

The project also established a repeatable testing approach that manufacturers could use to benchmark private 5G performance against existing connectivity systems before committing to future investment. It further highlights the role of the DPMC as a practical test environment where manufacturers can better understand emerging digital technologies before committing to large-scale deployment.

Ross Miller, senior engineer at the DPMC, said: “There’s a lot of discussion around what 5G could mean for manufacturing, but far less clarity on how it performs in practice.  By testing a realistic industrial scenario, we’ve been able to demonstrate how private 5G could support future manufacturing environments and help businesses better understand the opportunities it could offer.”

Merck supported development of the industrial use case used during the trial, drawing on its experience operating complex manufacturing facilities globally. Already an active user of advanced wireless connectivity, the company approached NMIS, which is operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, to explore how 5G might support its next phase of digital development.  

The Ayrshire 5G Innovation Region forms part of the wider Ayrshire Growth Deal and aims to support regional adoption of advanced connectivity technologies through industry collaboration, infrastructure development and skills activity.

Louise Kirk, director (regional economy) at North Ayrshire Council, said: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and the public sector work together with a shared purpose. By creating an environment where businesses can test and explore technologies like 5G in a controlled, practical way, we can build confidence locally and attract the investment needed to support the infrastructure required for the next generation of manufacturers.” 

Jack Waland, 5G specialist at Folk Consulting, added: “This project demonstrated how private 5G could support secure and reliable connectivity within manufacturing environments. The work provides a practical model that manufacturers can use to better understand how the technology could support future operations.”