TACNET 4.0

Highly reliable and real-time capable 5G networking for Industry 4.0

The overarching goal of TACNET 4.0 is to develop a standardized, industrial 5G communication system that integrates 5G networks and industrial communication networks end-to-end. To this end, 5G concepts are being expanded with innovative industry-specific approaches, cross-network adaptation mechanisms are being developed and open interfaces between industrial and mobile communication systems are being developed. Innovative 5G technologies can support demanding and previously unrealizable scenarios in process and production automation. One such scenario is, for example, the remote control of mobile machines or robots that are used in hazardous working environments or require operation by locally unavailable specialist personnel. The project is also investigating new approaches such as big data analytics, edge cloud-supported real-time control and remote services.

Further application examples would be the:

  • Support for workers by experts at other locations using augmented reality
  • Support for driverless transport vehicles
  • Control and management of industrial communication networks
  • Efficient use of spectrum resources for highly reliable communication

The particular challenge of TACNET 4.0 is to integrate future 5G networks and other common and innovative industrial communication networks in order to support a wide range of industrial applications, such as the integration of fieldbus systems. TACNET 4.0 relies on open interfaces so that the network functions can be extended by apps, for example. Furthermore, for the first time, an attempt is being made to use the mobile network for wide-area coverage instead of only local wireless sensor networks or WLAN, as was previously the case.

The main focus of OTARIS lies in the consideration of the quality of service (QoS) for various use cases and the co-development of the security concept, which also includes a complete security analysis of the TACNET modules. In addition, OTARIS will support the development of the Edge Cloud concept and develop interfaces for network control and network management.

Project duration: 01.04.2017 - 31.03.2020
Project partner:

  • ABB LTD.
  • Ascora GmbH
  • DFKI - German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence GmbH
  • Götting KG
  • inIT - Institute for Industrial Information Technology
  • MECSware GmbH
  • Nokia Solutions and Networks Management International GmbH
  • OTARIS Interactive Services GmbH
  • Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Dresden University of Technology
  • University of Bremen
  • BASF SE
  • Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH
  • Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH
  • Innoroute GmbH
  • it's OWL Clustermanagement GmbH
  • owl Maschinenbau e.V
  • PHOENIX CONTACT GmbH & Co. KG
  • Vodafone GmbH

Website: Project information
This project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.