Next-generation wireless connectivity 5G brings the concept of wireless industrial automation closer to reality. In the near future, new networks will bring more business opportunities than ever before, making the Internet of Things (IoT) ubiquitous in industrial automation and manufacturing. 5G has arrived and can replace wired connections even in the most demanding applications. According to a study conducted by McKinsey in early 2020, by 2030, Industry 4.0 will account for approximately 22 million 5G IoT units, most of which will be manufacturing applications.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, which began global deployment in 2019. 5G is the new global wireless standard for mobile wireless networks, succeeding 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. With 5G technology, a new type of network will virtually connect people, objects, machines, and devices. This new technology has the potential to support millions of devices at ultra-fast speeds and could elevate industrial automation and smart manufacturing to a new level. Access to 5G technology presents opportunities for critical industrial enterprise operations that impact safety and security.
Differences between 3G/4G/5G networks
Previous generations of mobile networks have contributed to the development of 5G. 5G is 100 times faster than LTE, with ultra-low latency, reliability, massive connectivity, and energy efficiency-all of which contribute to a better user experience. It offers higher performance and efficiency to enhance new user experiences and connect new industries. Compared to 4G, 5G supports all spectrum types, bands, and deployment models. This opens up new interconnection methods, such as device-to-device and multi-hop mesh networks. Not to mention speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making 5G significantly faster than previous generations. This is 10 to 50 times faster than 4G LTE.
What 5G Means for Manufacturing Enterprises and Industrial Automation
Each new generation of wireless networks brings a new set of applications. Manufacturing companies and industrial automation stand to benefit the most from 5G wireless technology, enabling more efficient and flexible production processes. This new technology offers lean and cost-effective connectivity solutions by leveraging the ability to reduce data rates, power consumption, and mobility to connect sensors. Some use cases include autonomous systems in factories, smart cities, smart energy, connected offices and buildings, security and emergency services, and connected health.
AI in time-critical processes - 5G can significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of real-time robot control, motion control, human-robot interaction, onboard 4K video streaming, 3D navigation, and AR/VR maintenance and training.
Connected factories - Enhance the digitalization of factories at all levels, from production floors to management offices, and optimize production facility management through real-time asset tracking (inventory, sensor data reception, remote inspection, and diagnostics), benefiting from faster data transmission.
Logistics - Improve logistics and warehouse operations by providing faster on-site staff and back-office communication than ever before, and track goods post-production.
Security Systems - Bring reliability and resilience to factory security, enabling real-time alerts and notifications.
5G offers industrial-grade performance, including high reliability, low latency, and robust coverage. With all its advantages, 5G can truly transform many industrial sectors and establish smarter factories. Therefore, manufacturing companies should consider establishing dedicated networks to support their efforts, so they do not rely on telecom operators. Now is the time to pursue opportunities and leverage emerging technologies.