GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group company and leader in digital engineering, has successfully designed and deployed an advanced 5G private network at Hitachi Rail’s cutting-edge facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, USA. Working in collaboration with Ericsson, GlobalLogic built the network as the digital backbone of the 307,000-square-foot factory. This innovation enables seamless automation, enhances worker safety, and creates scalable pathways for industrial transformation.
The private 5G deployment empowers Hitachi Rail to adopt next-generation manufacturing capabilities. For example, Physical AI uses real-time data to power intelligent systems such as inspection robots or robotic dogs that detect defects and even assist with on-site additive manufacturing. Meanwhile, digital twins leverage high-speed, low-latency connectivity to let engineers simulate and refine railcars before production, significantly reducing errors and time-to-market. Additionally, predictive maintenance anticipates failures by using secure, real-time data, thereby minimizing downtime and boosting equipment performance.
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Furthermore, automated quality inspections, driven by advanced image analysis, now detect defects faster and more accurately. IoT-enabled material transport also ensures that automated vehicles move components safely across the factory floor. With ultra-low latency and unmatched bandwidth, the 5G private network allows Hitachi Rail to execute critical processes in real time, setting new standards for efficiency, precision, and workforce protection.
Joe Pozza, President of North America at Hitachi Rail, emphasized the broader vision: “Our new digital factory in Hagerstown is more than just a train manufacturing site – it is a blueprint for the future of rail production worldwide, harnessing the latest AI, robotics, and digital systems to deliver high-quality, smart, and reliable manufacturing. The project exemplifies true One Hitachi, integrating IT, OT, and product capabilities with digital to accelerate the creation of unique value on a global scale. Private 5G connectivity is a game-changer for advanced manufacturing environments. This secure, high-performance connectivity allows us to automate more processes, protect our workforce, and accelerate innovation.”
Echoing this vision, Alan Minney, Senior Director of Global Strategic Partnerships for Enterprise at Ericsson, highlighted the broader industry impact: “To make Industry 4.0 real, manufacturers need secure, high-performance connectivity that is flexible and scalable. This project in Hagerstown shows how private 5G can power everything from predictive maintenance to collaborative robotics, while reducing energy usage and downtime. We are proud to partner with GlobalLogic and Hitachi Rail to demonstrate the impact of 5G on sustainable manufacturing in the United States.”
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GlobalLogic’s role extended beyond technical implementation. Leveraging its deep cross-industry expertise and its decade-long collaboration with Ericsson, GlobalLogic provided technical and business consulting, managed full deployment and integration, and ensured complete lifecycle management of the network.
Sameer Tikoo, GVP Communications & Network Provider Business Unit at GlobalLogic, stressed the strategic value: “Private 5G networks are unlocking new opportunities for industries, from advanced automation to energy optimization. Building on our partnership with Ericsson and working closely with the Hitachi Rail team, we are delivering ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure wireless connectivity. It’s more than faster connectivity it’s about establishing the resilient digital backbone that modern industrial operations need to compete, grow, and achieve sustainability goals.”
Ultimately, this initiative underscores how the combined expertise of Hitachi Group, Ericsson, and GlobalLogic can transform rail manufacturing into a model of smart, sustainable, and future-ready industrial operations.
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