Webinars
Private 5G for Industrial Automation: From Architecture to Plant Results
Originally Recorded March 24, 2026 | 11 AM-12 PM ET
ABOUT THIS WEBINAR
Private 5G is moving from proof-of-concept to production in manufacturing, however, success depends on how well it is architected, integrated, and aligned with industrial automation systems.
In this joint webinar, Future Technologies, Ericsson, and Rockwell Automation share how manufacturers are deploying private 5G to support mobile assets, flexible production, and data-driven operations—without disrupting existing OT environments. The discussion will focus on practical architecture decisions, integration with industrial control and automation platforms, and what manufacturers should evaluate when planning a scalable private wireless deployment to ensure security and reliability on the plant floor. The session will include a virtual tour of Future Technologies' Living Lab, a real-world setting that enables businesses to experience and evaluate the performance, reliability, and scalability of cutting-edge network technologies, displaying various use-cases and ecosystem partner solutions.
Learn how private 5G can be architected to support industrial automation requirements, how it integrates with automation systems, and how manufacturers can maintain control and visibility across converged IT/OT networks. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where private 5G delivers measurable value, how it fits into modern OT architectures, and what the next steps look like when moving from interest to implementation.
Brian Deken, NA Sales Director, Industrial Cybersecurity Services, Rockwell Automation
Brian Deken is the North America Sales Director for Rockwell Automation’s Industrial Cybersecurity Services business. He’s been working in the Automation Industry for over 20 years across various roles involving Services, Sales, and Strategy. Brian is a passionate customer advocate and works closely with teams to develop trusted relationships that deliver Risk Management and Resiliency Outcomes.
Jan Diekmann, Technical Account Manager, Advanced Industries, Ericsson
Jan Diekmann is the vertical lead for next-generation smart industry technology at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions. Jan’s current focus is on manufacturing and logistics/warehousing. Jan has worked in various fields and positions at Ericsson over the last 25+ years, including services, portfolio management, media, open innovation, digital advertising, and industry digitalization. Jan holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dortmund, Germany.
Gary Hill, Chief Innovation Officer, Future Technologies
Gary Hill brings more than 35 years of experience designing, integrating, and securing complex industrial networks. Having led transformative technology programs at Georgia-Pacific and now architecting Future Technologies’ advanced Living Lab environment, Gary understands both how modern connectivity strategies can unlock significant operational value—and how they can unintentionally introduce risk, cost, or performance bottlenecks if not rigorously validated. A specialist in private 4G/5G, LAN/FAN/WAN integration, OT/IT convergence, cloud-edge architectures, cybersecurity, and edge AI, Gary helps customers de-risk decisions by recreating real-world network conditions through structured testing, proofs of concept, and field-ready validation. His technical depth and process-first approach empower industrial leaders to confidently navigate rapidly evolving connectivity technologies while protecting uptime and security.
Peter Cappiello, Chief Executive Officer, Future Technologies
Peter Cappiello is the CEO of Future Technologies Venture, LLC, a leading systems integrator with more than 20+ years of experience connecting and securing mission-critical industrial infrastructure. Having designed, implemented, and supported networks in some of the most challenging Manufacturing, Energy, Transportation, Utility, and Government environments, Peter brings a pragmatic, process-driven perspective to navigating today’s overwhelming mix of connectivity options—5G, Wi-Fi, fixed wireless, fiber, satellite, and legacy systems.
He understands how a “one-size-fits-all” approach, over-engineering, or “good enough” decisions can quietly undermine reliability, security, and ROI. Peter’s Living Lab–based engagement model helps customers quickly see where their current path may be sub-optimal and how right-sized architectures can safely and efficiently support modernization initiatives such as automation, robotics, AI, and edge computing. Known as a collaborative, business-first problem solver, Peter has guided hundreds of customers toward secure, scalable networks that genuinely match their operational realities. A brief conversation with Peter often surfaces risks—and opportunities—leaders didn’t realize were shaping their future.
Exclusive Sponsor
“Connecting America’s mission-critical infrastructure with security and resilience.” Future Technologies Venture, LLC (“Future Technologies”) is a North American lead systems integrator that has designed and delivered mission-critical connectivity infrastructure in hundreds of demanding environments—from extremely remote outdoor sites to highly advanced automotive manufacturing facilities. With more than 25 years of experience, we help Government, Manufacturing, Energy, Transportation, Utility, and Enterprise organizations modernize operations through private network connectivity transformation, drawing on deep expertise in Private LTE/5G, fixed wireless, Wi-Fi, fiber, satellite, and legacy networks. Our capabilities in these technologies enable us to deliver secure, reliable connectivity for advanced industrial solutions—including AI, Edge Computing, Connected Worker, Robotics, and Industrial Automation—supported by proven processes, lab-based testing, simplified deployment, and flexible operating models that optimize total cost and position organizations for what comes next.
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