5G manufacturing involves much more than just 5G

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Mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things can all play a role in 5G manufacturing.

5G is a powerful technology, but the concept of 5G manufacturing—using 5G to drive digital transformation within manufacturing companies—includes more than just the network. To improve efficiency in manufacturing and other important verticals, 5G needs to be combined with mobile edge computing (MEC) infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

"5G is not the end, it's the means to an end," Intel's Caroline Chan said during a session at the 5G Manufacturing Forum. Chan, vice president of the Network and Edge Group and general manager of the Network Business Incubator Division, talked about the capacity and latency benefits 5G brings, but said high-impact use cases such as machine vision or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) also require localized computing, artificial intelligence and connected cameras using sensors.

5G, she said, “provides a very convenient intersection for all of these different technologies, especially on the industrial side. Beyond bringing telecom systems into the manufacturing environment, meaningful enterprise adoption will require a new degree of coordination between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) functional groups. That’s no small feat.”

“Whether the goal is to enable 5G manufacturing processes or truly bring 5G to any industry vertical, we’ve noticed that even non-tech companies … have to become technology companies to make progress,” said Jillian Kaplan, telecommunications and 5G thought leader at Dell Technologies. “Manufacturing is no exception, and investing in technology can enable adoption with potential cost and time savings.”

Target applications include more refined workflow scheduling, digital twins, more flexible and efficient production lines, predictive machine maintenance, design customization, augmented and virtual reality, production waste reduction and worker safety, Kaplan said.

Another important dynamic in the market revolves around the division of responsibilities between the build and run phases of the enterprise network lifecycle. Specifically, who can do what in an era where regulators provide spectrum to enterprises, hardware is commoditized, and network functions are moving to the cloud. This new model means that enterprises may face a decision to buy network and managed services from operators, build and operate their own networks, or something in between.

Kaplan noted that operators’ businesses revolve around operating networks, and that architecture should extend to the enterprise space. “All of these applications require networks, and that’s [the operator’s] job,” she said. “Dell’s role is to help communications service providers monetize their investments in 5G through these enterprise [vertical markets] and make sure these manufacturers can save money, save time, save lives… We can build these custom solutions to solve these enterprise challenges.”