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Background

Smart Manufacturing (also known as Industry 4.0, or Factories of the future) marks the shift from legac y systems to interconnection technologies, ushering in smart factories of the future. Connectivity is the bedrock of Smart Manufacturing, industrial network needs a stable, secure and fast connection to capture and process data in real-time for plant and equipment monitoring and maintenance. 5G has high capacity, reliability, ultra-speed, low-latency and enhanced mobility performance, can provide last-mile connectivity for smart manufacturing.

WLINK Solution

Modern factory is already a highly complex environment, equipped with intelligent robots and advanced machinery, and equipped with a large number of sensors. Deploy WLINK 5G routers in future factories to establish high-speed, low delay and stable network connection, and connect robots, machines and sensors to the cloud server to realize real-time monitoring, data analysis and coordination of robots and machines. So as to improve the automation, flexibility and productivity of production, evaluate equipment performance, manage production plan, maintain supply and coordinate all activities of the factory.

Smart Manufacturing Features

1) Factory automation

5G’s density, speed, wide bandwidth and low latency will allow for considerable flexibility. Tools and robots can be re-purposed quickly, improving efficiency and creating an environment which allows for mass customization and manufacturing on demand.

2) Process automation

Capturing real-time data on machines, inventory and production will allow companies to analyze production patterns in far greater detail. With this information, they can identify the proper sequencing of factory activities and maximize flow, helping smooth production cycles and reducing waste.

3) Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

The speed and density of 5G is such that it will free staff from computer terminals, providing the means to equip them with mobile data and visualization solutions, such as tablets and augmented reality gear, enabling visual interaction with machines and products.

4) Supply chain integration

Logistics will also benefi t from 5G networks. Improved digitization, coverage and tracking will accelerate distribution, which sees 5G boosting ware house applications. With 5G’s greater capacity for smart devices, IoT trackers in the logistics chain will allow buyers to monitor their goods in real time, while 5G networks will communicate with autonomous trucks so they can react quickly to changing traffic conditions.

5) Preventive maintenance

Denser arrays of sensors allow companies to monitor the status of equipment more closely. This will enable them to conduct scheduled maintenance when needed, predict the need for unscheduled maintenance before problems arise while enhancing remote diagnostics performed by suppliers of complex equipment.

6) Safety

The wide range of sensors available and 5G’s near instantaneous response time will create a far more safer manufacturing environment, with fewer people needed on the factory floor and more responsive emergency shut-off signals.

Return of Investment

1) Preventive maintenance

Operational intelligence critical to Smart Manufacturing will be enhanced by IoT capabilities by connecting sensors on 5G to gain real time information about equipment performance. When combined with Machine Learning (ML) and AI, the data can help predict and prevent malfunction of critical equipment.

2) Enhanced process efficiencies and troubleshooting

5G enables superior and enhanced process efficiencies on the shop floor. For instance, robotic systems can visually inspect products connected over 5G network for quality control purposes in real time through advanced visual recognition and deep learning neural networks, with a high degree of accuracy. Specialize d equipment can be repaired through AR support from remote expert enabled by high bandwidth and low latency support of 5G networks.

3) Increased security with built-in security features

5G will not only support a more reliable network but will also offer enhanced security with built-in security features, integrating security into the core network architecture and laying to rest the security concerns manufacturers have in embracing IoT. 5G has the necessary bandwidth to replace physical network completely in certain remote areas.

4) Superior people and production tracking facilities

5G technology enables easy mobility within the plant, right up to the periphery of the premises, making asset and logistics tracking hassle-free. Secure wireless availability helps easily monitor and integrate inward and outward-bound logistics tracking information. This can also be extended to supply chain management tracking outside the plant periphery through third-party integration. Tracking workforce mobility and ensuring workplace safety across the plant is also easier with 5G wireless connectivity.