5G can help realize the ideal of a modular factory, where machines can be rapidly reconfigured to optimize production.

For manufacturers, 5G presents an excellent opportunity to improve operational performance and enhance process resiliency.  Many new services and opportunities will come from its ubiquitous connectivity.

This quote comes from a report released by the American Manufacturing Institute, which looks at the limitless potential of 5G in manufacturing.  5G is a major step beyond 4G, and manufacturers will likely start with LTE for high-bandwidth applications like streaming video and real- time applications that require very low latency. As more 5G devices become available, it is widely expected that LTE and 5G will coexist on the same private network for at least the next five years.

5G technology enables networks to perform significantly beyond what was previously possible.  5G has unique characteristics and attributes that will define its disruptive character.  These characteristics include high data rates, higher system capacity, reduced latency and a large number of device connections.

5G could help realize the ideal of a modular factory, where machines can be quickly reconfigured to optimize production. It can conveniently collect data from dense sensors at a scale that was not possible before. In addition, the system can automatically schedule maintenance or order replacement consumables to ensure that downtime is minimized to avoid problems. It is for self-configuring production lines, proactive equipment maintenance determined by analyzing sensor data, and autonomous vehicles that can begin or may complete outbound logistics within a day.

A range of applications that 5G can enable:

digital twin

Digital twins often require large datasets to be effective, and 5G networks could not only facilitate the transmission of these datasets at extremely high speeds over long distances, but with its low-power variants, could enable sensors to be used in remote areas where remote sensors may be required , such as road extensions or farmland in agricultural applications.

Industrial IoT

These device deployments focus on measuring how efficiently factory machines operate, as well as environmental factors such as temperature and humidity that can affect operation. Industrial IoT sensors can be used to help keep workers safe by providing factory workers with real-time input about the health of the machine’s operation. They can also report on potential long-term challenges, such as whether a part needs to be replaced, or whether a lubricant needs to be ordered to ensure it runs optimally. Industrial IoT-driven data can even unlock new business opportunities in precisely monitoring costs in manufacturing-as-a-service scenarios.

extended reality

XR technology covers various fields from virtual reality to augmented reality, and it also has many horizontal business applications. XR technology has particular value in industries such as construction and manufacturing, where participants can see detailed models of complex machinery. Manufacturers can present data and information about machinery in a spatially relevant manner, helping workers with maintenance, repairs and training. The XR app is best experienced with headphones.

Self-Driving Cars and Robots

To realize their full potential, self-driving cars must use so-called Internet of Vehicles technology to communicate with other connected smart components in the transportation network. 5G can also be used to guide robots or forklifts through factories, using many of the same core enabling technologies, such as advanced computer vision for passenger cars. 5G has the potential to enable advanced automation in a zero-touch way. From forklifts to drones to warehouse shelves, 5G will connect automated modes of transportation, and all forms of transportation within the factory of the future can be connected to 5G networks.

safety

5G opens the door to multiple HD video streams from fixed cameras and drones, possibly also navigating through 5G networks to secure facilities or monitor for any signs of disruption or failure, especially when paired with computer vision systems , the system can analyze the video and detect abnormal or dangerous situations.