5G and the Future of Manufacturing

A Faster Future

For manufacturing operations, 5G promises a streamlined, synchronized future. Now, operators can work with machine controls anywhere on the factory floor with confidence that connections will not be lost, increasing productivity. 5G enables manufacturing to retrieve information and trigger actions independent of machine locations. This improves efficiencies and flexibility in production, machine availability, and factory effectiveness. Co-location now involves moving icons across your desktop, and not moving capital assets across your production floor.

This is similar to a musical conductor that ensures all orchestra members are playing at the same tempo. If a musician doesn’t follow the metronome-like precision of the conductor’s movements, the music sounds horrible. In advanced IoT environments, 5G ensures that the factory system remains in sync. Previously, the only way to achieve a high level of precision was with wired Ethernet connection, but with 5G technology, manufacturing will be able to meet the same timing and latency required over a wireless connection. (1)

While previous networks (2G, 3G, 4G) have been built around consumer applications, 5G is expected to deliver a powerful, deliberate boost to the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is facing rapid-speed changes this year, with only marginal gains through traditional cost-cutting measures. To optimize operations faster, this newly connected foundation is needed to copy, monitor, and control the physical world to beat the competition and increase output.

The Connected Screwdriver

With control comes better data. The computing horsepower offered by 5G brings new options regarding analytics and implementing artificial intelligence. Machine learning, combined with real-time analytics creates a self-optimizing network, simplifying the use and scale of new digital and industrial solutions. Manufacturers can access vast amounts of data at far greater speeds – more efficiently than ever before. Data from individual machines combined with information about the overall production operations, allow companies to optimize machine settings based on previous and subsequent production steps. This allows manufacturers to optimize production schedules quickly to account for changes in demand or unexpected supply-chain disruptions.

Specific examples of this technology are endless. China Mobile and Ericsson are developing automation tools by applying cellular IoT technology. Connected tools, like the screwdriver, track the metrics and location of maintenance, providing a clear, accurate view of shop operations. Prior to implementing 5G, these tools required manual, routine calibration, and lubrication based on utilization times. To streamline this process, the high-tech tools were fitted with real-time motion sensors that were attached to NB-IoT modules and paired to a 5G network. With thousands of connected tools across the manufacturing floor, this automated solution dramatically reduces the amount of manual work, while providing constant data and making automatic calculations and adjustments. (2)

The Remote Advantage

5G also creates an advantage for remote managers and factory oversight employees. The better networked and digitized a company’s processes are, the simpler it is to collaborate remotely. Available 5G tools support uninterrupted production operations with fewer employees on-site since they facilitate remote work in direct and indirect functions. With managers being off-site, 5G-enabled outputs provide the needed information have informed discussions during videoconferences. Similar solutions are available for the shop floor. Distanced teams can coordinate jobs, measure production levels, and improve performance gaps across shifts in a more connected environment. Other advanced tools such as digital heat maps, can support root-cause analyses for various problems. Machine breakdowns within a 5G system provide real-time information to managers, maintenance technicians, and programmers that are used to solve problems faster and cheaper.

The Revolution is Here

Smart tools, increased efficiencies, and remote capabilities are a few examples of the promises of 5G technology. Ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and reliable communication secure a world of opportunity in creating today’s smart factories. The time to act is now: 5G is rolling out across America, with off the shelf technology to bring this to reality quickly. Early adopters of these solutions will reap the greatest benefit to stay ahead of the competition while improving the overall company performance.

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