The Scotland 5G Centre celebrated the launch of its S5GConnect Innovation Hub at HALO Kilmarnock, in the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre following the installation of a dedicated 5G Mobile Private Network, deployed by Vodafone in eight weeks.

The Scotland 5G Centre, in partnership with Vodafone and HALO, will support local organisations to realise the benefits of digital transformation. Local companies have free access to the hub’s dedicated 5G Mobile Private Network to explore and adopt new digitally enabled opportunities with benefits such as increased productivity, decreased downtimes, enhanced customer experience, unparalleled digital security and reductions in cost and carbon footprint.

At the launch, businesses, local authorities and members of the Ayrshire community heard how the Centre, through its National Suite of Innovation Hubs across Scotland, is working with the private and public sectors to enable step changes in business through the application of 5G. Attendees also participated in a series of 5G-enabled demonstrations.

The University of Glasgow (one of Centre’s founding partners), highlighted how organisations can remotely monitor room capacity and desk occupancy, which, when combined with artificial intelligence, can be used to gather data on peak times of occupancy in order to save energy and reduce their carbon emission.

Vodafone demonstrated their mixed reality solution combining the real and virtual world. Mixed reality is the merging of the worlds, allowing the user to see the physical world alongside digital overlays. These could come in the form of instructions, videos or 3D computer generated objects. The technology will be used in training to improve the learning of complex processes and the speed of completing repetitive tasks, as well as for specialists to provide remote support to on-site engineers.

Digital Barriers, a local security company showcased the combined power of 5G and AI in an object classification and facial recognition demonstration. The combined technology has many potential applications in the manufacturing and security sectors.

Following the launch event, the HALO Kilmarnock 5G Innovation hub hosted an interactive open day which allowed local businesses to meet the team and engage with the demonstrations, which were run hourly.

The S5GConnect HALO Kilmarnock hub is situated at the heart of Kilmarnock town centre, supporting the growth and resilience of the Ayrshire economy. The installation of 5G in facilities such as this are critical to ensure the benefits of digital technology are made available to all communities and businesses across the U.K.

Sharon Neely, business engagement manager for S5GConnect HALO Kilmarnock said, “I’m delighted to launch the S5GConnect HALO Kilmarnock Innovation hub with support from our partners at Vodafone and HALO. The Innovation hub provides knowledge, expertise and space for businesses to prototype, design and trial goods and services over a private 5G network.

“We look forward to supporting local companies and local public sector bodies, to help them to unlock the benefits of 5G enabled technology and how it allows them to achieve a step change in their business.”

Kim Moran-Hogg, head of Scotland & Northern Ireland, Vodafone Business, said, “Vodafone are delighted to partner once again with The Scotland 5G Centre for the launch of the 2nd 5G Hub, in HALO Kilmarnock. This testbed will make sure Scottish businesses and public bodies have access to next-generation technologies, powered by state-of-the-art private networks.

“It’s vital that leading-edge technologies are available to drive opportunity for both businesses and citizens and 5G is critical to deliver these opportunities, ensuring the benefits of digital reach every community across the U.K. This centre of excellence in Kilmarnock can be a showcase for Scotland and the whole of the U.K.”

Dr. Marie Macklin C.B.E, founder and executive chair, The HALO Urban Regeneration Company said, “It’s an incredibly exciting time at the HALO and the opening of the S5GConnect HALO Kilmarnock hub highlights our commitment to enhancing both the local and national approach to digital and cyber.

“The HALO is setting the standard for low carbon energy sites across the U.K. offering a state-of-the-art environment for entrepreneurs specialising in green growth by building a sustainable community powered by renewable energy.”