The Le Vaudreuil factory of Schneider Electric in Normandy is not just a production site but a living experiment in digital transformation. In partnership with Orange, Schneider Electric has implemented France’s first indoor industrial 5G private network on experimental frequencies. This initiative is more than a trial; it is a showcase for the future of Industry 4.0, combining next generation connectivity with edge computing, augmented reality, and telepresence solutions to transform industrial processes.
At the core of the project is the convergence of information and operational technologies. By deploying a virtualised private 5G network across a 2,000 square metre production area, Orange and Schneider Electric are demonstrating the potential for reliable, secure, and scalable connectivity in a mission-critical environment. The network is powered by Nokia’s AirScale radio and core technology and supports both 5G Standalone and Non-Standalone architectures. Five antennas were installed indoors, achieving download speeds exceeding one gigabit per second, with local data processing enabled through edge computing.
The first set of use cases focuses on tangible productivity improvements. Maintenance technicians are using the EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor application on 5G-connected tablets and smartphones. By overlaying real-time operational data and virtual objects onto physical machinery, operators can instantly diagnose issues and identify necessary maintenance actions. A simple video capture of a machine can reveal critical insights, such as overheating in coil winding equipment, reducing the time needed to take corrective measures and helping to avoid errors.
These augmented reality capabilities are backed by Schneider Electric’s micro data centres. Compact and integrated, these systems handle power, cooling, and IT infrastructure in one secure location. They support the data needs of the 5G-connected applications onsite and offer the scalability needed to accommodate future technologies like AI and expanded IoT systems.
The second use case enables remote visits through a 5G-driven telepresence robot developed by AXYN. The robot navigates the factory in near real time, with high-quality video enabling virtual guests to interact seamlessly with human guides on the ground. This remote experience is designed to reduce travel needs while maintaining a high level of engagement and visibility into operations.
Beyond these applications, the project also explores network slicing, a foundational feature for Industry 4.0. With Nokia’s slicing technology deployed, Orange is able to deliver tailored network slices that support distinct use cases with specific performance and security requirements. This enables fine-grained control over critical applications and ensures optimal resource utilisation across LTE and 5G services.
As part of its broader strategy, Orange Business Services is offering industrial customers a flexible mix of private network architectures. These range from fully private deployments to hybrid models integrating public infrastructure, depending on the operational and security needs of the business. This approach gives enterprises the ability to scale and adapt their networks for a variety of use cases both within factory walls and beyond.
The Le Vaudreuil deployment is more than a proof of concept. It is an operational template for how private networks can drive industrial transformation through digital technologies. With more experiments planned, including the integration of artificial intelligence and further network enhancements, the collaboration between Orange and Schneider Electric continues to push the boundaries of what private 5G can deliver in industrial settings.
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