The convergence of 5G and automation in manufacturing: the new industrial revolution
Manufacturing is at a tipping point. 5G technology and advances in automation are combining to transform how products are manufactured and the role humans and machines play in this process. Per Treven, Business Development Director at Ericsson, joins us on his Getting Smart show for a discussion.
With the integration of 5G networks, robotics and autonomous mobile robots are redefining the boundaries of automation. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi systems, 5G offers important advantages such as superior reliability, vast coverage, and processing power for a high density of connected devices. This makes it a natural choice for the complex ecosystem of modern manufacturing sites.
This technological shift is especially strategic given the demographic reality of an aging workforce. 5G-powered automation can help offset the impact of a reduced workforce and ensure production capacity is not affected.
The impact is global. For example, consider China’s rapid automation strategy. Countries with abundant labor surpluses are taking calculated risks and automating large parts of their manufacturing processes. This could affect how other countries approach automation and revitalize manufacturing industries that, like the United States, have declined in recent decades.
But 5G is more than just a tool to enhance existing processes. It’s an innovation platform. The potential applications are incredibly diverse, from facilitating real-time data analysis to enabling remote monitoring and control. Businesses need to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the market dynamics driving the adoption of these technologies and preparing for a future that will be dramatically different from today.
With companies like Ericsson leading the way, the convergence of 5G and automation promises to have a transformative impact on manufacturing industries around the world. The future is not just automated. It’s hyper-connected.
