June 2021

A recent study 1 found that 74% of manufacturing leaders are considering upgrading their communications networks by 2022. It’s clear that 5G – with its low latency, designed-in security and high bandwidth – has a leading role to play, and projects are already underway to explore how this ground-breaking technology can benefit the manufacturing industry. We have crossed the threshold to the next industrial revolution, with factories embracing connected devices, automation and AI - opening the door to a new world of possibilities. The factories of the future need to work more quickly and efficiently, relying on their networks to drive productivity while generating cost savings. In partnership withWest Midlands 5G (WM5G), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is launching its 5G capability along with technology partners Worcestershire 5G (W5G) and BT. A first of its kind Nokia 5G Stand Alone private network has been installed at the MTC's manufacturing research facility at Ansty Park, Coventry. The 5G connected facility will allow manufacturers of all sizes to explore benefits from multi-edge computing and wireless connectivity in digital manufacturing and robotics. A live 5G-connected robotics demonstrator will give companies an insight into how 5G can boost their productivity through connected digital innovation. AlejandraMatamoros , Technology Manager at the MTC said “Demonstrating the potential of 5G connectivity in our workshop facilities will advance the MTC’s offering in digital manufacturing and automation to deliver additional levels of flexibility and intelligence in production and operational systems for UK manufacturers. We see the future of advanced wireless connectivity as an enabler to help recover and advance production capacity, efficiency and resilience.” She added,“We are establishing a long- term state of the art showcase facility to demonstrate best practice and the capabilities of 5G in production, logistics and infrastructure. Using an automated inspection application that features mobile robotics as our first use case, we are aiming to provide early insights into the technical and operational benefits of 5G. Our aim is tomake them available tomanufacturers within the upcomingmonths.” Robert Franks , Managing Director at WM5G, said:“WM5G is committed to supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector in theWest Midlands through technology innovation.We are delighted to be working with theMTC as our strategic triallist to prove and share the benefits of connectedmanufacturing with SMEs. TheMTC has been leading the way in exploring newmanufacturing technologies such as robotics, digitalisation and intelligent automation for a long time.” 5G opens the door to a world of possibilities. The fifth generation of mobile data promises to offer truly transformational opportunities for businesses. While undoubtedly faster than its predecessor – typically around 200Mbps and up to 1Gbps, compared to download speeds of up to 60Mbps for 4G – 5G also brings with it greater capacity and lower latency, allowing for the simultaneous connection of thousands of 5G enabled devices, deploying wireless process control, and the rapid, secure transfer of huge amounts of data. Many businesses may consider what benefits this new generation of technology can offer when compared to traditional connectivity. Wi-Fi and 5G offer complementary functionalities and to the end-user can appear to achieve similar results. Although a lower initial cost to deploy, Wi-Fi is an open network with lower bandwidth capabilities. It will continue to be the predominant technology for homes and offices but may not scale to factory applications due to limited management, performance, and reliability factors. 5G’s capabilities mean that it can easily capture much larger volumes of data, share large files, and allow a much larger number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices on the same network to communicate with each other and produce results much faster than a Wi-Fi network. With Wi-Fi, users are normally asked to connect to one ‘box’ and are handed over when moving to another area which can interrupt connectivity. 5G network solutions can offer a seamless handover between radio access points. Wi-Fi networks often operate on an unlicensed spectrum, makingWi-Fi more prone to interference and security concerns, whereas 5G networks will typically operate on licensed spectrum managed by mobile network operators. Furthermore, 5G stand-alone private networks have started leading the way for 5G adoption in sectors of the manufacturing industry offering increased security and better ownership models. SarahWalker , BT Director for Corporate and Public Sector in the Midlands, added: “The announcement of 5G trials form part of BT’s commitment in working with WM5G and W5G under a n COVER STORY The Future of 5 G Technology in Manufacturing 28 June 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com