UNLOCK MANUFACTURING’S MAXIMUM POTENTIAL WITH 5G

Uses for 5G include mobile robots in production, autonomous vehicles in transport and logistics, and augmented reality applications for service and maintenance technicians.

To enhance manufacturing efficiencies, critical parameters such as vibration, temperature, throughput, and other device-specific properties must be measured constantly. 5G can improve operational efficiency and data insights on production floors and across supply chains.

Benefits include high-precision assembly lines whereby all machines and robots are completely in sync in real-time.

Increased productivity, digital transformation through wireless technology, and private networks are driving 5G NR (new radio) in Industrial IoT networks.

The IIoT network will be scalable in connectivity and device count, and it will be built for optimal performance for all industrial applications by leveraging key LTE and 5G NR features such as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Massive Machine-type Communication (mMTC), 5G positioning, time-sensitive communications (TSC), and to a lesser extent Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB).

5G network features manufacturing can take advantage of include:

• URRLC, mMTC and eMBB are different slice types that are used to address the different needs of different machines and devices, the interfaces between devices and antennas (the air interface) will have several different tailored behaviours.
• mMTC allows vast numbers of battery-operated, low-power devices to be connected, and handles a density of one million devices per square kilometre. For industrial production, this type of service will enable low-power devices (that may need to last in the field or factory for years on a single battery charge) such as wireless sensor networks and other intelligent devices used for location and asset tracking.
• URLLC allows latency below 1ms on the radio interface as well as availability exceeding 99.999%, making it ideal for industrial use where uptime is always crucial, it is supported by 5G NR. In industrial production, this type of service will enable motion control, mobile robots, human remote control, and mobile control panels with safety function.
• eMBB primarily targets residential internet access with speed and latency on par with fibre optical networks. In industrial production, this type of service is suitable for AGVs, augmented reality, remote access, inbound and outbound logistics. It ensures fast access to data from devices such as smartphones, laptops or vehicles for applications such as streaming video.
• The network infrastructure that supports 5G will employ sharing techniques (virtualisation and cloud), which allow multiple slice types to co-exist without having too many multiples of the resources.
• Predictive maintenance is critical to manufacturing success. The ability to monitor equipment performance in real time through 5G helps eliminate unexpected downtime and disruptions.
• Sensors can send performance data to an artificial intelligence interface, which can monitor and respond to signals such as temperature, vibrations, and audio output.
• Fibre optic cables will be the backbone of next-gen 5G networks and fixed-line wireless routers in industrial plants and command centres will bring super-fast wireless connections to manufacturers.
• Cloud and packet-based statistical multiplexing techniques are employed to allow the slices to use each other’s resources when they are free.
• Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications may require latency of less than 10ms to offer a seamless experience, for example in a graphics-intensive application.
• AI-capable analytics software is used to crunch real-time data on every machine and piece of equipment. Even the most demanding applications, such as motion control and high throughput vision systems, will soon be able to replace wired connections with 5G networks.
• 5G is primarily intended for public networks in licensed bands, but it is also possible to use as a private network (unlicensed band and licensed band by owning a radio licence or be sub-licensed from a cellular operator), or semi-private network using network slicing of public network.

5G technology is poised to revolutionise the manufacturing sector by making smart factories effective, adaptable, and responsive.

The demands of industrial production can be met with 5G's low latency, high bandwidth, and extensive connectivity capabilities. Real-time monitoring of crucial parameters, proactive maintenance, and the seamless fusion of AI, AR/VR, and IoT will all be possible.

Manufacturers can benefit from greater output, better quality, and less downtime. The manufacturing sector can expect to advance even further as the 5G infrastructure is built out, and 5G's seemingly limitless potential is realised.

Main areas of applications in the Manufacturing Industry:

• Push-to-Talk (PTT) enables workers to communicate across locations, with real-time location tracking.
• Private 5G supports augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), allowing for self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist
• Private 5G makes real-time connectivity and control possible for autonomous guided vehicles.
• Computer vision for automatic video surveillance, inspection, and guidance is faster and more efficient on a private 5G network.
• Private 5G Connectivity for Robotics

Connected devices can remain reliably and securely connected to the enterprise network throughout the work shift without relying on Wi-Fi or portable hot spots.

1. Push-to-Talk (PTT), is a critical component of many industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and public safety. With PTT, workers can communicate instantly with their colleagues, regardless of their location, improving collaboration and coordination, and enhancing productivity and safety.

However, traditional PTT systems typically rely on legacy technologies, such as analog radios or 2G/3G cellular networks, which often have limited coverage and reliability, making it challenging to ensure seamless communication across locations. In addition, traditional PTT systems often lack real-time location tracking capabilities, making it difficult for managers to monitor their workers’ movements and respond quickly in case of emergencies.

Private 5G networks offer a significant improvement over traditional PTT systems, providing high-bandwidth, low-latency, and high-reliability connectivity across a wide area. With private 5G, workers can communicate instantly with their colleagues, using voice, video, and data, regardless of their location, improving collaboration and coordination across different teams and departments.

Moreover, private 5G networks enable real-time location tracking, using advanced indoor positionings technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). With real-time location tracking, managers can monitor their workers’ movements and activities, improving safety, security, and productivity.

For instance, in a manufacturing facility, workers can use PTT to communicate with their colleagues in different departments, such as maintenance, quality control, and logistics. With real-time location tracking, managers can monitor the location of their workers and equipment, ensuring timely responses to emergencies, and optimizing workflows.

In the transportation industry, private 5G-based PTT systems can enable real-time communication between drivers, dispatchers, and logistics personnel, improving coordination and efficiency. With location tracking, managers can monitor the location of their vehicles, ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services.

In summary, private 5G-based Push-to-Talk with real-time location tracking capabilities offers significant benefits to a wide range of industries, improving collaboration, coordination, safety, and productivity. As private 5G networks become more widespread, we can expect to see increased adoption of this technology in various sectors, transforming the way we work and communicate.

2. Private 5G supports augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), allowing for self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist

Private 5G technology provides several benefits that make it well-suited for supporting augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications. Private 5G networks offer high bandwidth and low latency, which are essential for enabling AR/VR experiences that require real-time interaction and response.

With the high-speed and low-latency connectivity provided by private 5G networks, AR/VR applications can offer self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist capabilities. For example, workers can use AR/VR headsets to receive real-time guidance and assistance while performing complex tasks. This can enhance productivity and accuracy, while also reducing the need for specialized training.

In a manufacturing setting, private 5G networks can support AR/VR applications for remote equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. With AR/VR headsets, technicians can receive real-time visual guidance from experts located elsewhere, without the need for on-site visits. This can save time and reduce costs, while also minimizing downtime.

Self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist capabilities are all different ways in which augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) technology can enhance productivity and efficiency in various settings.

• Self-assist capabilities refer to the use of AR/VR technology to provide users with real-time guidance and assistance as they perform complex tasks. For example, an industrial worker wearing an AR headset could receive step-by-step instructions and visual cues to help them assemble a complex machine. This can help reduce errors, increase productivity, and reduce the need for specialized training.
• Work-assist capabilities refer to the use of AR/VR technology to provide real-time assistance to workers as they perform their tasks. For example, an AR headset could provide a worker with real-time data and visualizations about the equipment they are operating, such as temperature, pressure, and other performance metrics. This can help workers identify issues and take corrective action more quickly and efficiently.
• Remote-assist capabilities refer to the use of AR/VR technology to provide remote experts with a real-time view of a worker’s environment, allowing them to provide guidance and support from a remote location. For example, a remote expert could use an AR headset to see what a field technician is seeing and provide guidance on how to troubleshoot and resolve an issue. This can help reduce the need for on-site visits and increase the speed and efficiency of problem resolution.

Overall, the high-speed and low-latency connectivity provided by private 5G networks makes them an ideal solution for supporting AR/VR applications that offer self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist capabilities to enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety in various settings. Private 5G technology plays a key role in enabling these capabilities by providing the high-speed, low-latency connectivity required for real-time interaction and response.

3. Private 5G technology is revolutionizing the way that autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) operate in large manufacturing environments by enabling real-time connectivity and control.

One of the main advantages of using Private 5G for AGVs is the low latency and high bandwidth it provides, which allows for real-time communication between the AGV and the central control system. This real-time communication is critical for ensuring that the AGV can respond quickly and accurately to changes in the environment, such as changes in the location of obstacles or changes in the production line.

For example, in a large manufacturing plant, AGVs can be used to transport raw materials or finished products between different areas of the plant. With Private 5G, the AGVs can communicate with the central control system in real-time, allowing for dynamic route planning and adjustments. This can help optimize the flow of materials and reduce the risk of collisions or delays.

Another use case for Private 5G and AGVs is inventory management. By using Private 5G to connect the AGVs to the plant’s inventory management system, the AGVs can be automatically directed to the correct location to pick up or drop off materials. This can help reduce the risk of errors and improve the efficiency of inventory management processes.

Private 5G can also enable new capabilities for AGVs, such as real-time tracking and monitoring. For example, sensors on the AGV can provide real-time data on the vehicle’s location, speed, and orientation, which can be used to optimize the vehicle’s performance and improve safety.

Overall, Private 5G is making real-time connectivity and control possible for AGVs in large manufacturing environments, enabling new levels of efficiency, productivity, and safety. By leveraging the low latency and high bandwidth of Private 5G, manufacturers can optimize their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

4. Computer vision for automatic video surveillance, inspection, and guidance is faster and more efficient on a private 5G network.

Computer vision is a key technology that is being increasingly used in manufacturing environments for tasks such as automatic video surveillance, inspection, and guidance. Private 5G networks can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of computer vision applications by providing high bandwidth and low latency connectivity.

In a manufacturing environment, computer vision can be used for a wide range of applications such as quality control, defect detection, and process monitoring. By using cameras and sensors to capture real-time data, computer vision algorithms can analyze the data to detect defects or anomalies and make decisions about whether to stop the production line or take other actions.

Private 5G networks can greatly enhance the performance of computer vision applications in manufacturing environments. For example, with Private 5G, cameras and sensors can send real-time data to the central processing unit, where computer vision algorithms can analyze the data and make decisions in real time. The low latency of Private 5G ensures that the data is processed quickly, enabling faster detection and response times.

Another advantage of Private 5G for computer vision applications is the high bandwidth it provides. This enables the use of high-resolution cameras and sensors, which can capture more detailed and accurate data. In addition, the high bandwidth of Private 5G can support the use of multiple cameras and sensors simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive view of the manufacturing process.

One specific use case for Private 5G and computer vision in manufacturing is quality control. By using cameras and sensors to capture real-time data on production lines, computer vision algorithms can quickly detect defects and anomalies in the products being produced. With Private 5G, this data can be transmitted to the central processing unit in real-time, allowing for immediate corrective action to be taken to prevent defective products from being produced.

Overall, Private 5G networks can greatly improve the speed and efficiency of computer vision applications in manufacturing environments. By providing high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, Private 5G enables faster detection and response times and supports the use of high-resolution cameras and sensors for more accurate data capture.

5. Private 5G Connectivity for Robotics

Robotics systems require fast and reliable connectivity, low latency, and secure communication to operate effectively in industrial settings. While traditional Wi-Fi solutions offer some level of connectivity, Private 5G connectivity offers several advantages that make it a better option for robotics applications. Private 5G networks have higher capacity, which enables them to support a large number of devices and sensors without compromising performance. Additionally, Private 5G networks offer lower latency and faster connectivity compared to Wi-Fi, enabling real-time communication and control for robotics systems. Moreover, Private 5G networks provide a secure and private communication channel that protects against data breaches and cyber attacks, ensuring the safety and integrity of the data being transmitted. Overall, the advanced capabilities of Private 5G connectivity make it the ideal choice for robotics systems in manufacturing industries where speed, reliability, and security are critical factors.

This article was originally posted by: Industry Update, Niral Networks