The next evolution in mobile networks is 6G. It is set to surpass 5G with increased speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, which will benefit countless applications. Manufacturing is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries. Although this technology is still years away, manufacturers planning for the future should start thinking about the possibilities of 6G and how to ensure support.
Today’s consumers demand faster, more reliable experiences across their devices, from smartphones and wearables to in-vehicle infotainment systems. In response, network providers are enhancing and expanding their 5G infrastructure, which is currently the most advanced wireless technology. But is that enough? Industrial applications in factories and warehouses are already pushing 5G to its limits, requiring faster speeds and more data. For manufacturing, 6G can’t come fast enough.
Testing is scheduled to begin in 2030, and 6G will usher in a new era of connectivity, but it’s more than just flipping a switch. Similar to the transition from 4G to 5G, switching from 5G to 6G will require significant infrastructure investment. The enhanced coverage and increased bandwidth required to support 6G applications will require the construction of new transmission towers. The deployment of fiber optic cables will be essential to handle the unprecedented data traffic that 6G is expected to support. In addition to these hardware considerations, sophisticated new software must be deployed to efficiently orchestrate the complex network of 6G-connected devices.
Millimeter wave frequencies (mmWave) are radio frequencies with wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. These frequencies have significant advantages compared to other frequency bands, primarily in providing sufficient bandwidth capacity to process large amounts of data.
These characteristics make millimeter wave frequencies particularly suitable for high-demand applications that prioritize speed and reliability, such as those driving 6G needs.
Nevertheless, millimeter wave frequencies have certain limitations. Communication distance is relatively short. Buildings, walls, trees, etc. pose another challenge as signals are easily blocked by common physical objects in the environment. To counter these limitations and ensure comprehensive coverage, networks using mmWave frequencies require densely spaced base stations.
Upgrading your entire manufacturing operation’s communications infrastructure to 6G requires benefits that outweigh the significant financial investment. For factories operating at high efficiency over Wi-Fi, the transition to 6G should represent a manufacturing paradigm shift that cannot be overlooked. What will be the game changer for widespread adoption of 6G?
6G is set to be the foundation for the continued advancement of Industry 4.0, which leverages the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twin technologies. These areas rely on instant processing, analysis, and action on large amounts of data. of data. This technology infrastructure facilitates real-time monitoring, control, and automation of industrial processes, increasing efficiency and productivity.
Imagine an electric vehicle assembly plant without a conveyor system. Instead, the vehicles drive autonomously around the factory floor from station to station, stopping at bumper installation robots, windshield stations, and final quality inspection. Finally, the finished car drives out onto the street and heads into the dealership or buyer’s driveway. Yes, this requires vast amounts of data collected simultaneously in real time by multiple systems. But this is exactly the type of application he will be able to make possible with 6G.
In the previous example, we imagined a vehicle traveling around a factory floor and visiting fixed assembly stations, but the opposite may be true for other manufacturing processes. 6G will enable mobile autonomous robots to move around factory floors without physical safety barriers, completing tasks from pick-and-place to machine assembly.
Although 6G is expected to strengthen data security protocols, we cannot expect a system to be completely invulnerable, so 6G is expected to bring some advances in the area of data security. This enhanced security is designed to protect your data in transit and in cloud storage.
Since the introduction of 1G in 1979, wireless technology has evolved into a new generation every decade. His 6G, the impending 6th generation standard, will not be fully functional immediately upon release. Infrastructure development will be a gradual process, with broadband providers competing to offer the most scalable and reliable networks. This evolution reflects the evolution of his 5G, which is still being refined to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Consumers will race to purchase 6G-enabled devices, but manufacturers will need to take a more measured approach to deployment. This requires careful analysis of existing factory infrastructure, local 6G availability, and a thorough understanding of migration costs.
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This article first appeared in the January 2024 issue of the magazine. Technology overview magazine.
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