Key Challenges in the Manufacturing Industry
The timeless challenges faced by the manufacturing industry are always the ones that will impact its efficiency, growth and sustainability. As such, technological advancement and improvement to operations are often focused on maintaining efficiency and reducing waste.
How 5G connectivity can support and elevate operations in an automotive plant
With a low latency, high capacity 5G connectivity intersecting with the advent of AI, operational efficiency and the reduction of errors can be achieved more consistently.Â
Consider the following applications for a private 5G network in an automotive manufacturing plant.Â
- Keeping autonomous robots connected. For robots to function almost flawlessly it is important to have a stable and robust connection of wireless technology, which a private 5G network can provide securely and reliably. Autonomous mobile robots could be used to ensure production lines have all the raw materials and parts they need, which require mobility. Autonomous vehicles can shuttle parts where they’re needed most and 5G-powered cleaning robots can keep the factory floor clean and safe, unencumbered by wires or cables.Â
- Flags defects and safety issues with predictive maintenance coupled with AI. 5G-connected sensors can alert facility managers to power usage and safety concerns which need attention in real time, as automation keeps processes moving and AI and machine learning tools drive further improvements behind the scenes. Â
- Providing real time information regarding inventory supply and demand as well as production and build status. Information processing within a high-capacity and throughput network means that there will be no lags in critical status updates. Data can be used to make advance decisions and delivery timings can be accurately predicted.Â
The benefits of having a 5GÂ and Wi-fi network, running simultaneouslyÂ
A 5G small cell such as the PCW-400i can offer wi-fi augmentation, thereby increasing throughput and capacity. It is not necessary to have two sets of networks on the PCW-400i (either 5G or wi-fi only) as both can run concurrently and separately. The benefit of running both networks, for example, is that the administration portion of the manufacturing facility can be connected to wi-fi, so that computers and mobile devices can run on that network. The 5G component can allow the production line to run, as per all the applications described. Maintaining separate streams of connectivity will ensure the integrity of the manufacturing functions and the simplification and isolation of troubleshooting any connectivity issues.Â
Additional resourcesÂ
BLOG: Using Wi-Fi Enabled 5G Small Cells to Transform Resorts through Advanced ConnectivityÂ