The rollout of 5G is poised to trigger the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Learn how 5G technology can revolutionize manufacturing.
As 5G becomes increasingly mainstream, its possibilities in industrial and manufacturing applications appear endless. Harald Remmert, Senior Director of Technology at Digi International, stated that 5G's ability to support a wide range of IoT technologies is considered a catalyst for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Industrial Internet of Things, 5G and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
5G will be a transformative force in the commercial and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sector. From automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and augmented reality (AR) to smart city infrastructure and industrial automation, 5G can trigger the Fourth Industrial Revolution by converging smart technologies and manufacturing practices. 5G connectivity will enable groundbreaking innovations between humans and machines that were previously only found in science fiction, such as the effortless synchronization of robots and humans.
Many of these breakthroughs have already occurred today, and the rollout of 5G will make them even more prevalent, especially in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Experts predict this market will grow from $68.8 billion in 2019 to $98.2 billion in 2024, with semiconductors, electronics, and cloud computing platforms leading the way. Fundamentally, 5G will have a significant impact on the IIoT field because it provides a single network flexible enough to handle a wide range of IIoT use cases.
Manufacturers currently relying on wired connections will eventually need to upgrade to 5G to remain competitive. Of course, if they haven't already leveraged the power of 4G, they can start now by optimizing their current network usage and gradually transitioning to the latest technology. However, the cost and time savings offered by 5G, such as increased factory flexibility, improved machine insight, and process monitoring, will significantly reduce costs and improve quality and efficiency.
How will 5G revolutionize the Industrial Internet of Things?
With 5G, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will be able to significantly improve industrial monitoring. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many businesses struggled to remotely monitor their field systems. With 5G, companies can remotely monitor systems via cameras and manage and control them remotely via cellular routers. This translates into deeper insights, resilience, and recovery capabilities for unforeseen circumstances such as supply chain disruptions.
5G connectivity also enables wireless manufacturing, and consequently, wireless industrial automation. While traditional industrial automation is nothing new (think: machines assembling cars), its potential has been hampered by the need for cabling. Robots are limited by cabling requirements, and solutions like Wi-Fi cannot provide the bandwidth, range, mobility, or quality of service required for industrial control. Furthermore, current 4G cellular protocols suffer from latency issues, hindering efficient use.
However, with 5G, wireless manufacturing can achieve greater flexibility and agility at a lower cost. Similarly, 5G increases speed, reduces latency, and enables seamless communication and collaboration between machines and humans. Furthermore, 5G significantly reduces power consumption for sensors and other devices, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance issues.
Another area where 5G offers significant value in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is enhanced security. The architecture of 4G and 2G/3G connections is monolithic; once a malicious actor gains access, they can compromise the entire system. In contrast, the 5G architecture is service-based, meaning greater segmentation and isolation. If a hacker gains access to a 5G-enabled system, they will be isolated to a specific area and will not have access to all services.
Edge computing and 5G
Edge computing and 5G connectivity, two inseparable technologies, will significantly improve application performance and the ability to process massive amounts of data in real time. They work together to create a complementary solution. While 5G is ten times faster than 4G, mobile edge computing can further reduce data traffic and latency by processing data closer to the end device. Telecom operators report that, at least in the lab, 5G offers network speeds up to 20 times faster than LTE1. However, some hurdles remain before 5G can consistently achieve these speeds. Nevertheless, 5G, relying on edge computing, still has the potential to deliver even faster results.
Potential obstacles to 5G and the Industrial Internet of Things
While 5G will inevitably transform the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) through greater visibility, enhanced security, and greater flexibility, manufacturers still face key adoption hurdles—primarily cost. Many companies have not yet foreseen the financial returns of 5G deployment. However, if businesses take the time to analyze how 5G can help them achieve their goals, they will find it financially viable. Other obstacles include how to get started with the IIoT and the still limited coverage of 5G networks in many areas.
These are legitimate challenges, but not insurmountable ones. Finding suitable partners to provide technical support is a good way to solve many problems related to 5G and the Industrial Internet of Things.
