Cargill deploys NTT DATA private 5G across 50 sites

NTT DATA has rolled out a private 5G network for Cargill across 50 manufacturing and processing sites worldwide, as the food and agricultural group expands digital operations and adds more connected devices on the factory floor.

The deployment spans large agricultural processing plants, food manufacturing facilities and other industrial locations. Many Cargill sites are difficult places to install or extend traditional network infrastructure. The private 5G network provides on-site wireless connectivity for staff devices and industrial systems.

Most installations are in the United States, with deployments also live in Europe. The companies said they are considering additional regions.

Connected Operations

Cargill is extending its SAP ERP deployment across facilities. The private 5G network supports access to enterprise applications and operational data on smartphones and ruggedised tablets, helping staff stay connected to systems across large sites.

The companies described private 5G as different from WiFi and wired networks in how it can be deployed and managed in industrial locations. Private cellular networks typically give site operators more direct control over coverage, device access and traffic prioritisation than shared public networks.

Connectivity is often central to industrial automation and data-collection initiatives. Manufacturing and processing sites may have large footprints, moving equipment, metal structures and high-interference environments, which can complicate wireless planning and increase the need for predictable coverage.

According to Cargill, the network improves real-time visibility into production processes, strengthens collaboration between frontline and operations teams, and supports faster decision-making based on operational data.

Robotics And Inspection

The network also supports robotics and physical AI use cases. Cargill has used Spot, an inspection robot developed by Boston Dynamics, at its Amsterdam facility to operate in areas that can be hazardous or hard for workers to reach.

Spot is used for visual inspections and monitoring site conditions, including checks for hazards such as equipment overheating. The companies pointed to safety inspections as an early application.

Industrial organisations have shown growing interest in mobile robotics in recent years, alongside a shift toward more sensor-driven maintenance and more frequent inspection routines. Many are also using robotics to reduce exposure to risk in environments involving heat, moving machinery or confined spaces.

Scaling Across Sites

The private 5G deployment spans 50 sites, with additional rollouts planned for completion in 2026. The programme suggests a move beyond pilot projects toward standardised connectivity across plant types and geographies.

For global manufacturers and processors, network consistency affects how quickly digital tools can be introduced at new facilities. Standard approaches can also reduce variation in device management and security controls, and make it easier to deploy applications that rely on reliable uplink performance.

Private 5G has emerged as an option for organisations that want cellular-style coverage and control on their own premises. Some use it to connect handheld devices and vehicles; others apply it to fixed equipment, sensors and industrial cameras. Adoption varies by sector and local spectrum rules, but interest has grown as more companies pursue Industry 4.0 programmes.

"Our work with NTT DATA is a true partnership, allowing us to confidently advance our global digital transformation strategy," said Robert Greiner, Director Platform Engineering for Customer, Commercial & Business Operations Digital Technology at Cargill. "Private 5G gives us a secure, scalable foundation to support connected workers, robotics and edge AI use cases across our operations."

NTT DATA framed the project as an example of how private cellular networks can support broader industrial automation efforts.

"As manufacturing organizations expand the use of physical AI and intelligent automation, reliable and secure connectivity becomes foundational to digital transformation," said Shahid Ahmed, Global Head of Edge Services, NTT DATA. "Cargill is demonstrating how Private 5G can bring technology and operations together in environments where traditional networks fall short, while improving safety, agility and performance."

NTT DATA introduced its private 5G platform in 2021, and said additional Cargill sites are scheduled to come online in 2026.