FEATURE Industry 4.0
Making 5G-enabled automation in
your smart factory a reality by Ste Ashton of 5G Testbed-as-a-Service provider nexGworx
W
ith the arrival of 5G, the technology to turn ideas into reality is fi nally here, and three years after the UK
government launched its 5G Testbeds and Trials (5GTT) programme, the results are demonstrating serious potential to transform manufacturing operations. The UK’s fi rst live 5G factory trials took place at the Worcestershire 5G Testbed through 2018-2020, in what was a landmark step toward the creation of smart factories in Britain. Here, Worcester Bosch tested 5G for improved factory output, exploring preventative maintenance using IoT sensors and data analytics to predict failure; Yamakazi Mazak explored how technology could be used to troubleshoot applications, allowing senior engineers to remote-guide onsite engineers for machine maintenance; whilst QinetiQ designed the security into 5G networks and applications. Elsewhere, SME aerospace manufacturer
AE Aerospace has been investigating through its ‘glass factory’ concept how private 5G networks can help plan production, collecting and monitoring performance data in real time, inputting the data into the ‘capacity availability’ model. It has also been testing how sensors can be used to locate and ensure gauges are correctly calibrated, and using AI to improve quality and inspection processes. The DCMS 5G programme also identifi ed that 5G networks can enable productivity
22 June 2022 | Automation
savings of 2% or better – the equivalent of £2.6bn when extrapolated across the whole of the UK.
Smart factory of the future There are challenges but also benefi ts in setting up a smart factory environment, from both, business and technology perspectives. This is why nexGworx created its Testbed- as-a-Service programme, supported by BT, to provide a safe and accessible platform for UK industry to develop and test next- generation technology.
While a handful of individual applications
require 5G networks on their own merit, the installation of private 5G networks can serve several applications operating together for the best benefi ts. These range from greater bandwidth, faster download times, reduced latency and the improved ability to connect multiple devices in a fl exible environment. The shop fl oor can greatly benefi t from these, like monitoring and adjusting production schedules in real time, storing and processing highly-detailed images and data for quality inspections carried out by artifi cial intelligence, or locating tools and moving them around the factory on a just- in-time basis.
Many applications are likely to arise
from existing continuous improvement programmes and, as such, Industry 4.0 readiness may well be led by a combination of CI, operational and R&D teams. Productivity gains from improvements in
[Image: Petr Magera for Unsplash]
process, quality control, health and safety, customer experience and a greener agenda are all achievable and can be amplifi ed still further by collaborating between project teams, in-house departments, manufacturing sites and even supply chain businesses and customers.
Of course, with greater collaboration come security risks. But this is where access to public and private 5G testbeds comes into its own – allowing security features such as multi-site network access control, strong mutual authentication and encryption to be trialled, tested and built into programmes from the start, and supported by security experts.
The potential off ered by 5G to power smart, connected manufacturing is exciting and the eco-system is developing quickly, with an ever-increasing number of 5G entry- point options. Governments across Europe are investing in networks and trials to drive adoption within their own manufacturing sectors and ensure they are well placed to reap the benefi ts off ered by Industry 4.0. With a variety of funding streams now coming online, there has never been a better time to connect with 5G experts and identify the right 5G-enabled automation opportunity for your business.
CONTACT:
nexGworx
www.nexgworx.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
