5G is recognized as a key enabler of Industry 4.0. With its high network speed and low power consumption, 5G facilitates the connectivity of every sensor in the upcoming unmanned factory to the cloud. This connectivity allows for the extraction of data for analysis, ultimately fueling advancements in artificial intelligence.
5G has emerged as a catalyst for transforming manufacturing, addressing the challenges in the development of smart factories. The characteristics of 5G, including high speed, low latency, and high-frequency bandwidth, have led to the development of killer applications in the manufacturing industry, which heavily relies on machine equipment and automation systems.
In January 2020, the commencement of 5G spectrum bidding marked the beginning of a new era of commercial transformation. Industries eagerly anticipated the value that 5G could bring. The manufacturing sector in Taiwan expressed particular interest in applications such as unmanned inspection, AR/VR, equipment monitoring, and security monitoring.
Application Markets
Unmanned inspection is crucial for preventing safety accidents and losses in factories. Drones and unmanned vehicles combined with 5G, cameras, infrared, or 3D vision can emerge as effective tools for detecting issues like broken pipelines or gas leaks.
AR/VR applications, though requiring further development of relevant content, hold potential for maintenance operations, education, and training. These technologies can provide remote insights and assistance in real-time problem-solving.
Equipment monitoring, with the support of 5G's low latency and large connection characteristics, allows for real-time monitoring in the production process. This aids in estimating the quality of production and optimizing it. The use of up to 25 billion sensors in industrial applications by 2025, according to Gartner, highlights the role of 5G in connecting a large number of production equipment.
Security monitoring in smart manufacturing ensures the safety of personnel and assets. Various sensors and wireless communication, facilitated by 5G, enable real-time transmission of information, improving response times during emergencies.
The Industry Still Prioritizes Stability
The manufacturing industry is currently cautious about the stability of 5G, especially for core production equipment that heavily relies on wired communication. Most factories deploy industrial-grade Ethernet for stability and speed, but this limits mobility and flexibility. The development of Industry 4.0 emphasizes diverse and flexible manufacturing, making wireless communication, facilitated by 5G, desirable for mobile equipment such as unmanned vehicles and autonomous robots.
While Wi-Fi is currently used for wireless communication in factories, its limitations in transmission quality and distance make 5G an attractive option. The emphasis on high reliability, stability, and low latency in 5G applications aligns with the manufacturing industry's demand for precision and automation.
5G infrastructure, complementing optical fiber technology, is not seen as a substitute but as a means to enhance connectivity. 5G is expected to replace wired networks in the field of industrial automation, including sophisticated technologies like motion control and vision systems. The standardization of the Ethernet protocol by organizations like 3GPP and IEEE will contribute to overcoming information security challenges in smart manufacturing.
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