In Gyeongsangnam-do, 17 companies and organizations are promoting the advancement of smart factories using 5G communications.

Gyeongnam Techno Park announced on the 20th that the 'Gyeongnam 5G Utilization Next-Generation Smart Factory Regulatory-Free Special Zone (hereinafter referred to as 5G Special Zone)' project, which is being carried out by Gyeongnam TP and hosted by Gyeongsangnam-do, will begin full-scale operations this month after signing an agreement with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

Last year, four regions across the country competed in a public offering by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Gyeongnam was selected as a suitable site in December. This project, centered around Gyeongnam TP, the general organization for the Gyeongnam 5G special zone, involved 16 organizations and companies. The roadmap for establishing the core solution of the 'world's first smart factory utilizing 5G communication network' and the first-year promotion plan for the special zone operator were announced at a launching report meeting held by Gyeongnam TP Information Industry Promotion Headquarters and GMB Korea on March 16.

The goal of the Gyeongnam 5G Special Zone project is to utilize the next-generation communication networks of 5G NR-U and Wi-Fi 6E to take the lead in implementing advanced smart factories in Gyeongnam by utilizing the characteristics of the ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-latency, and hyper-connectivity 5G communication network.

Verification Roadmap △ In Phase 1, a Wi-Fi 6E model will be built and verified △ In Phase 2, a Wi-Fi 6E-based system will be verified △ In Phase 3, a smart factory 5G NR-U model will be built and verified. It is expected that this will contribute to strengthening the manufacturing capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (increased production efficiency, reduced defect rate, improved quality, etc.) by promoting the smartening of traditional manufacturing through the use of 5G technology.

In addition, on April 13, Kim Hee-cheon, head of the Regulatory Free Zone Division of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, visited the Gyeongnam TP Information Industry Promotion Headquarters, Taerim Industry, and GMB Korea to promote business. A review was conducted to ensure successful business execution, including a roadmap.

Jo Yoo-seop, head of the Gyeongnam TP Information Industry Promotion Headquarters, the general manager of the 5G special zone, said, “The special zone project above is a core technology for increasing the added value of the manufacturing industry not only in Gyeongnam but also in Korea. Through successful demonstration, it can be expanded to other industries and around the world. As a leader, Gyeongnam will work together with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to achieve solid business results.”