5G UE and Network Asset Administration Shells for the Integration of 5G and Industry 4.0 Systems

2026-06-17

AI Summary

This study addresses the interoperability challenges arising from network management complexity in the integration of 5G and Industry 4.0 systems. To this end, it proposes and openly releases the first complete Asset Administration Shell (AAS) architecture for 5G systems, encompassing both user equipment (UE) and network (NW) sides. The design rigorously adheres to the 5G-ACIA guidelines, Plattform Industrie 4.0 specifications, and 3GPP standards, exposing critical 5G data and capabilities through standardized interfaces. By providing a reusable and open reference implementation, this work substantially reduces system integration complexity and lays a foundational framework for the deep deployment of 5G in smart manufacturing environments.

Abstract

5G is a fundamental technology for the full digitalization of smart manufacturing. The use of Asset Administration Shells (AAS) can facilitate the integration of 5G with Industry 4.0 systems and applications while minimizing the complexities associated with the 5G network management. This study presents the design and implementation of the first full 5G system AAS that is openly released to the community [1]. It includes a 5G UE (User Equipment) AAS and a 5G NW (network) AAS that have been designed following the 5G-ACIA guidelines as well as the Plattform Industrie 4.0 and 3GPP standards. The AASs have been defined to provide and expose the data and capabilities of 5G necessary to facilitate the integration of 5G with Industry 4.0 systems and applications.

Problem

• 5G
• Industry 4.0
• Asset Administration Shell
• Integration
• Smart Manufacturing

Innovation

• Asset Administration Shell
• 5G UE
• 5G Network Integration
• Industry 4.0
• Digital Twin