In today’s ever changing technological world, it has been a norm that communications and network technologies keep evolving faster than ever before. Every new generation of smartphones and computers encourage innovations in this variable field. Like every other revolutionizing technology in the past 5G is also a game changer. Using 5G there will be endless opportunities for industries to grow, implementing many of the currently developing technologies nicely.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless communications and networking technologies supporting cellular data networks with superfast and high speed data transmission and communication between interconnected devices.
5G technology is in a developing state currently and cannot be implemented on a large scale, but it has been implemented in many places as an experiment to know its efficiency. In April 2018 South Korea was the first country to roll out 5G networking services to a wide customer range. The speed of 5G networks in South Korea peaks up to 902.7 Mbps depending upon carriers, network providers, and geographical locations.
5G will be important in creating new capabilities through data-driven processes.
5G will play an important role in the factories of the future, it will create effective communication systems and data transmission.
5G will create Industry 4.0 models possible, as suggested by experts and scientists.
The Smart Factory also is known as Industry 4.0 will shift from conventional technologies to a set of highly advanced and connected technologies.
Industry 4.0 will rely on communications and information technologies to create and manage cost-efficient large scale businesses. At the core of this revolution, will sit the smart factories concept. Industry 4.0 will be seen implementing various technologies like IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Automation systems and many more to create superior cost-efficient goods.
Let us have a look at some of the benefits 5G technology has to offer us :
High Speed Work Remotely:
Devices with 5G connectivity will have high-speed networks and data transmission rates, resulting in superfast work from remote locations. Using such networks employees can work efficiently and rapidly without any barriers.
Useful IoT Adoption :
Internet of Things(IoT) is a system consisting of software and mechanical hardware used to transfer data over a network without requiring human interference. Using IoT businesses can plan to create an entire business IoT ecosystem. IoT generates a lot of data and to transmit this data in real-time so that it can be used by the organization, there must be high-speed uninterrupted connections using 5G technology. We can create a solution for this and IoT can be used efficiently.
Lightning Fast Data Speeds :
The most anticipated benefit of 5G networks over the current technologies is the data speeds that they will offer. Most 5G service providers promise data speeds around 300-400 Mbps. At its maximum capacity, a 5G network is capable of delivering speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is around 100 times faster than a currently running widespread 4G network. Nowadays a huge amount of data is generated by companies in their operational activities and such data can be tackled for use by 5G networks easily.
Supply Chain Improvisations:
5G technology in manufacturing will improve the supply chain of industries greatly. As 5G enables to connect up to one million devices in one square Kilometer range it will be useful for coordinating all the automated processes in a supply chain. Processes such as order placement and delivery schedules can be programmed to be entirely automated, such processes to work efficiently need to gather real-time data and have to transmit data at extremely high speeds, so the 5G network can help this. Using 5G technology, manufacturing procedures are getting smarter day by day enabling advanced communication between interconnected devices resulting in the overall improvement of Supply chain and production processes.
Which Technologies will be helpful
Having a look at the benefits of 5G technology in the manufacturing Sector, now its time to look at the technologies which will be helpful in creating the Industry 4.0 model.
- Autonomous Robots
- Simulation
- Internet of Things
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Augmented Reality
- Big Data & Analytics
Let us start by understanding all these technologies :
Autonomous Robots: Using this, robots will be able to work beside each other in a cooperative manner. Robots used here can be equipped with greater performance abilities at a cost-effective price. These smart robots can also work alongside humans by adapting to the organization’s environment.
Simulation: Simulation technologies will be used to get an insight into the real-time data and modeling the product virtually. Simulation technologies will help organizations to test their products prior to launch in a real-time environment. This will benefit the organization to make changes prior to the implementation of the production of the product.
Internet of Things: Using IoT in the Industry 4.0 model will allow devices to communicate with each other over networks remotely using unified controllers as and when required. It will also support quick and efficient real-time decision making.
CyberSecurity: While the Industry 4.0 model relies mostly on information technology and communication networks, it is very important to create and deploy efficient cybersecurity measures to avoid any awful circumstances. Data generated through the IoT and other devices should be stored, managed and extracted in such a way that there are no loopholes for the data to be tweaked. Any fault or loose end in cybersecurity can create unfavorable circumstances for the company.
Cloud Computing: Industry 4.0 will be implemented mostly by large scale factories and manufacturing units, these will be the units that will be generating a large amount of data just from their operational activities. So to cater to these large and ever-increasing storage demands, it is important and necessary for companies to move towards cloud storage and computing services. Cloud Computing and storage services prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
Augmented Reality: Augmented-reality-based systems can help the workers to know where to find the products in the warehouse, mapping necessary product configuration becomes easier. They can be used for training new interns and employees regarding how a product can be manufactured in the correct steps.
Big Data & Analytics: In the Industry 4.0 model, large amounts of data will be generated from operating activities using the technologies, collecting such data and doing a meaningful evaluation of the data generated is a must to streamline activities of an organization. Analysis of the data generated should be done to predict future changes and corrective measures which should be taken to increase the efficiency of the systems.
Usage of 5G Networks in Manufacturing
Now let us have a look at some implementations which are possible through the usage 5G networks in manufacturing :
Smart Logistics: In the Industry 4.0 model, it is proposed that the internal transportation systems and logistics systems inside a workplace like a factory should be entirely automated. Robots should be used for transporting products from one part of the plant to another. Driverless Transportation vehicles can be used for the timely delivery of products. All the interconnected robots and DTV require high-speed data transmission for communicating with each other and 5G networks in manufacturing setups help to achieve this.
Smart Maintenance: Smart Maintenance refers to the planning of Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO) in such ways that it rounds the downtime to the lowest possible. Data analysis plays an important role while planning out such MROs. While carrying out maintenance operations smart devices such as tablets and connected cameras can be used to instruct remotely or to supervise the work.
Smart Control For Plants: Smart control systems for plants can be created using sensors and IoT. Every machinery in the plant should be connected to a central controller system in order to make smart control systems work efficiently. These central control systems can then be automated using different procedures to work without human intervention.
Virtual Manufacturing: Virtual manufacturing refers to the usage of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in production processes and research and development stages to know the real-time outcomes of the product the organization is working on. Using virtual reality technology can help industries to save so much money that might get wasted during the research and development stage.
Robots: Using robots is very beneficial because it will result in faster production, the organizations will require fewer spaces to operate, risks regarding workplace accidents can be reduced greatly as robots work as they are programmed. There will be lesser chances of stoppage in production due to no conflicts arising.
These are some of the implementations which are possible only with the foundation and rise of 5G networks. Using these and 5G technology together in industries and manufacturing will take us to a fully functioning Industry 4.0 model.
Evolving the network to address manufacturing use cases
In an ever evolving environment, telecom operators need the best technologies to assist their business requirement. The onset of 5G will improve many existing use cases and prepare new use cases that cannot be satisfied by existing technologies. This, in turn, needs evolving the network to convey high reliability and low latency that are key to addressing manufacturing use cases. The enhanced network evolution highlights the following developments:
- 5G NR – a new radio interface/access that extends far beyond those of past generations of mobile communication. Capabilities incorporates ultra-high reliability, very high data rates everywhere, very low latency, massive system capacity, and availability, very low energy consumption and device cost, and energy-efficient networks;
- Network slicing –this helps operators to give dedicated virtual networks with consumer-particular functionality
- Distributed Cloud – this helps setting up workloads closer to the edge for better QoS for example, latency;
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and Realtime machine learning – analytics will be significant in creating the networks self-optimizing to secure SLA fulfillment for services.
The time to act is at present. There’s no need to wait to begin testing new business models, catch emerging chances for example, IoT, and create extra revenue streams. LTE-based technologies for example, CAT-M1/NB-IoT help massive IoT use cases already in current networks. By rethinking and experimenting what role to take, operators will secure the benefits of 5G.
5G networking in manufacturing will make big changes and these are only some predictions.
Guest post by Truventor.ai https://www.truventor.ai/
