TL;DR:
- UNIDO, in collaboration with Huawei and global partners, has announced the establishment of the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing.
- The alliance aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the application of AI technologies in industry and manufacturing to boost the digital economy.
- The integration of 5G, AI, and cloud computing has brought significant benefits to the transport and logistics sectors, including improved job efficiency, enhanced safety, and increased participation of women in previously male-dominated industries.
- The East-West Gate (EWG) intermodal terminal in Hungary, supported by 5G technology, has become a hub for intermodal rail freight, showcasing the successful implementation of next-generation digital technologies.
- The alliance and the advancements in AI solutions signify the importance of helping businesses go digital, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the showcasing of best practices.
Main AI News:
In a recent gathering of industry leaders at the Intelligent Rail & Logistics Forum 2023 held in Fényeslitke, Hungary, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) made a significant announcement that is set to reshape the future of industrial operations. UNIDO revealed its plans to establish the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing in collaboration with Huawei and international partners, with the official launch slated for July. This groundbreaking alliance aims to build a robust platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering innovation and the widespread adoption of AI technologies across various sectors, thereby propelling the digital economy forward.
Mr. Ciyong Zou, UNIDO’s Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director, emphasized the convergence of mobile connectivity and industrial innovation during his compelling speech at the forum. He shed light on the transformative power of integrating 5G, AI, and cloud computing in the transport and logistics domains. Zou stressed that this integration had yielded numerous benefits, including significant advancements in job efficiency, enhanced job quality, improved safety protocols, and a noteworthy increase in the participation of women in industries previously dominated by men.
As the advantages of AI solutions become increasingly evident across diverse industries, it becomes imperative to guide businesses toward digitalization. Zou articulated the Alliance’s primary objective as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and showcasing best practices. By fostering synergistic partnerships between industry players and facilitating the dissemination of valuable insights, the Alliance seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses worldwide.
János Tálosi, the esteemed CEO of East-West Intermodal Logistics Plc., shared an inspiring success story at the forum. He highlighted the achievements of the East-West Gate (EWG) intermodal terminal, which commenced operations in October 2022. This state-of-the-art terminal boasts the capacity to rapidly load and unload 1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually between wide-gauge and standard-gauge railways, setting high standards for both efficiency and safety. Leveraging the power of 5G, the terminal has achieved seamless interconnection across all internal communications and technical equipment, enabling the remote control of highly automated cranes with exceptional precision. Such technological advancements have not only bolstered productivity but have also created a more comfortable working environment for operators.
Tálosi underscored the significance of this project as a pivotal milestone in Hungary’s 5G technology development and the digitalization of rail freight. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the EWG terminal is poised to become a central intermodal railway logistics hub in the digital era, revolutionizing the industry landscape.
Radoslaw Kedzia, Vice President of Huawei’s CEE&Nordic Region, commended the East-West Gate Intermodal Terminal as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various partners and dedicated investors. He highlighted the terminal’s digitalized, high-tech solutions, which have not only attracted young locals to the area but have also created a thriving ecosystem. With an average employee age of 23-25 years, the terminal promotes safety, health, and a clean working environment, eliminating the harsh conditions of the past. Kedzia further emphasized that the success of this endeavor exemplifies the real-world application of 5G and next-generation digital technologies in Europe’s intelligent railway sector, effectively addressing common challenges and fostering digital transformation.
The Intelligent Rail & Logistics Forum 2023, a momentous event, unfolded at the East-West Gate (EWG) intermodal terminal in Fényeslitke, Hungary. Spanning a colossal area of 5 million square meters, including the terminal, warehouses, and development zones, the EWG terminal stands as the largest and most advanced inland intermodal terminal of its kind. Furthermore, it proudly claims the distinction of being Europe’s first privately owned 5G-supported container railway port.
Conclusion:
The establishment of the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing, along with the remarkable achievements at the East-West Gate terminal, highlights the increasing significance of digital transformation in industries. This alliance not only facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing but also accelerates innovation and the application of AI technologies. As businesses embrace digitalization, the market can expect improved efficiency, enhanced safety measures, and increased opportunities for growth and innovation in various sectors, propelling industries into a new era of success and competitiveness.
