February 9, 2026
How 5G Enables Real-Time Defect Detection
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Nice, France – July 29, 2025 – Firecell, Orange, Miodex, and Desoutter have just demonstrated the ability to locate objects with an accuracy ranging from less than one meter to five meters using private 5G networks in an Airbus assembly plant. This level of performance has never before been achieved in environments as complex as factories, warehouses, or outdoor spaces, and is made possible thanks to standard 5G technologies.
Over several months, the project partners designed, tested, and validated a new geolocation solution based on UL-TDoA technology, a method for calculating the time of arrival of 5G signals. This solution relies exclusively on standard and open-source 5G equipment, without the need for additional GPS systems.
In the vast Airbus production halls, where thousands of tools move between workstations every day, locating the right screwdriver at the right time can quickly become a logistical challenge.
Thanks to the tested solution, this problem is now a thing of the past. Leveraging the power of private 5G networks and cutting-edge geolocation technology, it is now possible to locate a tool with an accuracy of 1 to 5 meters, even in complex and metallic industrial environments.
An operator can now search for a tool by its identifier and instantly visualize its position on a digital map of the factory. A true industrial GPS integrated into the workshop!
Position data is updated every 10 to 30 seconds, enabling precise, timestamped reporting of tightening operations: number of operations, location, applied torque, etc. This makes it possible to know exactly where and when each operation was performed.
In the event of a manufacturing defect, the 5G geolocation solution allows rapid tracing back to the tool used for the operation in question, its full history, and the teams or workstations involved. A considerable gain for quality assurance and corrective actions.
When a tool goes into maintenance, there is no longer any need to search blindly. The 5G geolocation solution shows whether it is in the workshop, with the maintenance team, or in metrology, thus avoiding wasted time and productivity losses.
This use case could not have been achieved without the collaboration of several complementary industrial players:
Airbus Développement supported the industrial startups Miodex and Firecell to carry out an open-innovation project in industrial 5G at an Airbus Atlantic site in Méaulte. Orange Innovation also contributed its expertise to help the startups successfully complete the project.
This initiative represents a major breakthrough in object localization and data flow management, paving the way for a new era. The promising results are generating strong interest regarding the potential of the GEO5G solution in optimizing industrial processes.
Laurent Legendre, Regional Director for Île-de-France at Airbus Développement:
“Convinced by the significant benefits of industrial 5G, we are proud to support and test on one of our sites this innovative project led by Olivier Dhotel, Co-Founder of Firecell, and Cyrille Mielczarek, CEO of Miodex.”
This technology has already attracted major players such as ESA and Airbus, as part of the UnifiedPNT initiative, where Firecell supports the integration of customer algorithms into its private 5G solution. Planned improvements include the addition of artificial intelligence modules to further enhance accuracy, compatibility with other localization algorithms, and testing with more powerful 5G antennas to cover larger areas.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of the French Directorate General for Enterprise (DGE) and the France 2030 plan, under which the GEO 5G project is a laureate. Firecell and Orange are also both members of the recently created Industrial 5G Alliance, which aims to help French industrial companies better understand the uses and deployment of private 5G networks.
Firecell develops advanced connectivity solutions specifically designed to meet the demands of industrial environments. Its private 5G offering ensures reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity. By simplifying 5G deployment and reducing operating costs, Firecell accelerates return on investment for businesses. Founded in 2021, Firecell now supports clients in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
Learn more: https://firecell.io/
Miodex designs custom-made industrial tooling solutions adapted to constrained environments and critical production requirements. From precision mechanics to operator ergonomics, the company steps in where standard solutions are no longer sufficient. Based in Yvelines, Miodex supports both large groups and SMEs in their assembly, high-torque tightening, and field operation safety projects. Its approach: co-developing reliable, optimized, and ready-to-use tools. Expertise, agility, and operational rigor make Miodex a committed industrial partner.
Learn more: https://miodex.com/
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators, present in 26 countries and serving more than 280 million customers. In France, Orange is the market leader and invests heavily in fixed and mobile infrastructures to support the digital transformation of businesses and territories.
Through Orange Business and Orange Innovation, the Group develops and deploys advanced connectivity solutions, from private 5G to cloud services, cybersecurity, and IoT, addressing the challenges of performance, reliability, and security in industrial environments.
Learn more: https://www.orange.com
Founded in 1914 and headquartered in France, Desoutter Industrial Tools is a global leader in electric and pneumatic assembly tools for a wide range of assembly and manufacturing operations, particularly in aerospace, automotive, light and heavy vehicles, off-road vehicles, and general industry.
Learn more: www.desouttertools.com
