AI and IoT

Today, the combination of IoT, AI, and 5G enables game-changing infrastructure and processes to flourish.

Over the past decade, the Internet of Things has dramatically increased manufacturers' output. IoT enables systems to support connected assets, which is critical for smart manufacturing and connected logistics. So it's no surprise that Statista predicts that there will be 22 billion connected IoT devices by 2025.

At the same time, artificial intelligence supports the Internet of Things by analyzing the massive data lakes generated by connected devices. AI can be used to analyze industry data, schedule hardware maintenance, and increase productivity at a lower cost. AI can also support data security: 23% of cyber threats target manufacturers, but AI can study massive data sets to automate repetitive security screening tasks, identify potential threats, and implement antivirus measures. Accordingly, it is estimated that by 2030, the global artificial intelligence manufacturing market will grow to 22.6 billion US dollars.

In an era of high energy and material costs and disrupted supply chains, AI and IoT are critical as they enable manufacturers to adapt and predict. Predictive maintenance deploys data-driven analytics to optimize capital equipment and avoid costs associated with unplanned downtime. According to McKinsey's forecast, by 2025, the cost savings of manufacturers through predictive maintenance will reach 630 billion US dollars.

These technologies also help solve traditional problems that have plagued manufacturers. These include inefficiencies in the inventory supply chain and production planning. These issues can be solved with IoT and AI-powered ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software to automate inventory management, schedule projects to meet completion rates. But another emerging technology could help today's manufacturers unlock even more value.

Enter 5G

5G is the middleman that makes the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence really shine. AI and IoT are highly dependent on 5G to provide data capacity to support smart manufacturing and digital supply chains, and to deliver emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and robotics, so much so that by 2030, ultra-high-speed mobile 5G networks are expected to Unlocking $740 billion worth of value.

Fifth-generation mobile networks can connect everyone and everything, including machines, objects and devices. The IoT wearable medical device market alone is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2027. Why this matters to manufacturing: Delay or no delay. 5G offers low latency, which leads to faster upload speeds. 5G can reach speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, 100 times faster than 4G, providing the level of performance required for high-resolution embedded sensors used in modern manufacturing.

But in the 2020s, the ability to implement your own private short-range 5G network will revolutionize manufacturing. Mobile Private Networks (or MPNs) provide 5G cellular connectivity to private networks, private businesses, and third-party providers and municipalities. The advantage of MPN is that it can authorize devices to provide a high level of connectivity. This reduces security threats as data can be processed on-site.

Private 5G (P5G) could also provide better connectivity for automated guided vehicles (AVGS) and high-performance communication tools for workers in outdoor environments. It also offers better connectivity and "remote vision" capabilities for factories operating in remote locations.

5G can modernize factory operations and improve efficiency through real-time data monitoring, analytics and predictive maintenance provided by IoT. 5G also helps with security. With network slicing, running multiple virtual network slices on a single physical network, users authenticate in only one network area to ensure data and security isolation. At the same time, 5G certification improves on the basis of 4G certification, supporting identity protection and enhanced home network control through a unified certification framework.

Put into practice

The future may be characterized by the independent development of 5G, a separate network from the 4G network that current 5G is built on. Users are likely to see higher speeds, greater reliability and security, and more devices connected at the same time. It even supports AR and VR technology so that engineers can assist customers when they can't visit the factory in person, and deploy wearable technology to communicate with remote teams.

Follow this mantra as you bring 5G to life: think big, start small, but scale quickly.

• Think Big: Articulate the vision and show how 5G, AI and IoT are essential to business success. Imagine this being more important than operations. This is about future-proofing the business and meeting challenges.
• Start small: Start by identifying where your business' greatest opportunities lie. Consider any dangers or challenges that need to be overcome and include them in your roadmap so that you are properly prepared.
• Scale quickly: As with any new technology, there may be obstacles in the beginning of implementation, but don't lose momentum. To see business ROI, you need to scale quickly.

The next industrial revolution will require high-speed 5G connectivity to securely process large amounts of data. Amid the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, we must continue to invest in 5G, the lifeblood of emerging technologies and future manufacturing.