Chapter 1: Understanding the Industrial Internet

The future landscape of the industrial Internet is evolving beyond mere data exchange. It focuses on elevating the connected factory concept. By leveraging advanced 5G networks, manufacturers can streamline operations and enhance both internal and external communications. Moreover, these networks can unify the entire product lifecycle within a single framework. This article explores significant applications of 5G technology in the manufacturing sector. Below, we outline five key use cases for 5G in the industry.

The Importance of High-Speed Connectivity

High-bandwidth networks facilitate superior data throughput, which is essential for numerous industrial applications. Beyond just high data rates, a 5G network must also provide minimal latency. Under optimal conditions, the delay between sending and receiving signals can drop to just 1 millisecond, significantly faster than the 200 milliseconds typical of 4G networks. This low latency is vital for effective process control and for mobile factory robots communicating seamlessly. For instance, a pick-and-place robot can relay raw data while receiving real-time instructions from an algorithm.

In addition, 5G networks support the massive Internet of Things (IoT), allowing for a proliferation of low-cost devices. This capability will expand subscriber numbers and enhance coverage across wider areas, forming a foundational aspect of a 5G-enabled industrial Internet. However, deploying 5G in this context requires not just data but also complementary software and services, which present both opportunities and challenges.

Beyond Basic Enhancements

A robust core network, built on programmable 5G technologies, is essential for catering to user needs anytime and anywhere. To ensure a satisfactory user experience, a minimum data rate of 1 Gbps is crucial, as most activity-based IoT applications demand extensive coverage. Furthermore, a reliability rate of 99.999% is necessary for consistent and scalable service. So, how does 5G meet these requirements?

Operators must establish a highly secure and available mobile network capable of prioritizing voice, video, data, and IoT services. The ideal solution is a fully private 5G network model, which safeguards enterprise data privacy while integrating cloud services tailored for specific business needs. The selected model will depend on coverage requirements, specificity, and additional support considerations, but a fully private network can effectively address the demands of the industrial Internet.

Chapter 2: Advancing the Connected Factory

The connected factory represents a transformative approach to digital technology utilization in manufacturing. By integrating various sensors and machinery into a cohesive network, manufacturers can enhance productivity, quality, and profitability. This connectivity provides workers with enhanced control and visibility over production processes. Additionally, stakeholders such as maintenance engineers and executives can leverage this data to make informed decisions and optimize product quality.

When factories are interconnected, engineers gain insights into the entire manufacturing cycle from the perspective of individual machines. This enables remote monitoring of production and proactive identification of issues specific to production lines, ultimately leading to improved efficiency. Furthermore, connected factories allow for the deployment of customized applications that enhance the scalability and efficiency of manufacturing operations. To further develop these connected factories, companies like Tulip offer innovative solutions.

Healthcare Innovations: Facilitating Remote Surgery

Rapid wireless transfer speeds enable multiple device connections and low latency, which are critical for real-time telemetering. This capability is vital for remote participation in surgical procedures, offering significant benefits in terms of costs, staffing, and reduced travel. However, the use of 5G technology may lead to a less personal surgical experience.

The high speeds and substantial data capacity of 5G networks provide the ideal conditions for remote surgery. With a surgeon's ability to respond to physical stimuli in under 10 milliseconds, 5G allows for precise and swift remote surgical procedures. Additionally, it enables collaboration among specialists remotely, enhancing the quality of care and reducing surgery costs for patients in distant locations.

The Road Ahead: Autonomous Technology

The advancement of autonomous vehicles may hinge on ground-penetrating radar technology, which uses electromagnetic pulses for mapping surfaces. While this technology has historically been used in archaeological contexts, it holds promise for aiding vehicles in navigating underground environments. For example, ground-penetrating radar can detect objects up to ten feet beneath the surface, assisting autonomous vehicles in traversing challenging terrains.

Although engineers are making strides in developing autonomous vehicles (AVs), significant challenges remain. Extensive data collection and sensor integration are essential for accurately detecting obstacles and mimicking human-like driving perceptions. The development of AVs is ongoing and may surprise the public with its true capabilities, even as perceptions of the technology evolve.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of how 5G is shaping smart factories in the USA, highlighting key innovations and applications.

In this video, ASUS IoT discusses how 5G and AIoT are creating new frameworks for smart manufacturing, paving the way for future advancements in the industry.