Private 5G and AI Edge Innovation Hub Launches in Switzerland
A new private 5G and AI edge innovation hub has opened in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Launched by Nokia, Intel, Dätwyler IT Infra, and the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB), the hub offers startups and nonprofits a no-cost testbed to trial advanced edge computing and private 5G applications. With real-time AI capabilities and full-scale deployment infrastructure, the hub supports a wide range of industrial use cases, such as predictive maintenance, AI-powered safety monitoring, and video-based team communication.
Industrial Innovation Without Infrastructure Costs
Located at SIPBB, the hub provides a full industrial environment without the typical cost barriers of infrastructure deployment. Organizations can test real-time analytics, push-to-talk tools, and computer vision technologies designed to reduce downtime, improve safety, and increase efficiency.
Michael Wendling, co-lead of the Swiss Smart Factory at SIPBB, stated, “This hub allows researchers, startups, and industry leaders to collaborate, test, and validate groundbreaking technologies. We aim to attract global investment and drive Swiss digital leadership.”
Powerful Infrastructure and GenAI Integration
The site features cutting-edge infrastructure, including Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) private networks, MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), and MX Workmate, a GenAI-driven assistant designed for connected workers. These systems support natural human-machine interaction, allowing staff to communicate with machines through intuitive, conversational language.
Michael Aspinall of Nokia highlighted, “Together with Intel, Dätwyler, and SIPBB, we’re removing barriers to innovation and enabling real-world development and scaling of digital solutions.”
Flexible, Scalable, and Sustainable AI Solutions
The hub uses Intel Xeon Scalable processors for enterprise-grade AI inferencing and connectivity. Bhupesh Agrawal of Intel explained, “This platform allows AI to operate close to where data is generated, improving speed, lowering total cost of ownership, and enhancing scalability.”
Pascal Walther of Dätwyler added, “With our experience in edge and data center architectures, we deliver a secure and high-performance environment that accelerates 5G and AI deployment.”
The innovation hub is designed to spark collaboration, eliminate traditional barriers, and accelerate digital transformation across industries.
Source: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631403/Tech-consortium-unveils-private-5G-AI-powered-edge-innovation-hub
