
5G technology is ‘key catalyst’ for IIoT, Industry 4.0
The limitations of 4G networks position 5G technologies as key elements of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, the report finds. The increasing amount of data transferred, the large number of connected devices, the ability to handle videos and images of very high definition, and the need to monitor real-time information are just some examples of what make 4G networks obsolete.
According to the report, the high bandwidth and low latency provided by 5G networks are driving process industries to partner with strategic 5G providers. In addition to the organizational and economic benefits of industrial digitization, falling prices of technologies such as machine learning and Big Data analytics are pushing manufacturers toward technological solutions that improve their quality and efficiency, say the analysts.
“Industry 4.0 and the industrial IoT (IIoT) are increasing the number of smart sensors at a manufacturing plant and enabling machine-to-machine communications,” says Marina Salaber, Research Analyst, Industrial Practice, Frost & Sullivan. “5G broadband’s capabilities enable connections to numerous devices and simultaneously process large masses of data, addressing the concern about the increasing requirement of data traffic that modern factories need.”
“High reliability allows businesses to incorporate automation processes that depend on the correct network operations,” says Salaber. “5G, in this regard, surpasses the boundaries of digitization, allowing a dependency on network processes and protecting companies from high production costs and stoppages that connection dropouts cause.”
According to the report, market participants should focus on the following prospects:
- The pandemic pushed traditional face-to-face inspections toward virtual platforms. Advanced predictive maintenance is transforming risk management in all industry verticals.
- Manufacturers must partner with AI, 5G network, and data management software providers to achieve suitable energy management. They can also utilize cutting-edge software, such as ML and deep data analytics, to process the information collected and provide an end-to-end solution.
- A digital twin must ally with innovation in every operational process. It fosters growth opportunities for manufacturers by reducing financial inputs, shortening learning curves, and minimizing manpower.
- Autonomous and collaborative robots can increase the reliability and efficiency of production lines. Automated processes must produce higher-quality standards due to their higher standardization and precision levels.
For more, see “Growth Opportunities for 5G in Process Industries.”
