Artificial Intelligence, 5G and edge technologies lead manufacturing trends

From offices to workshops to products, the manufacturing industry is full of technologies and seems to be several steps ahead of other industries in embracing the connected economy.

Vodafone and the London School of Economics released a study earlier this year that surveyed 2,526 businesses around the world on technology developments, with particular emphasis on changes over the past few years. and future development directions.

The study's authors report that manufacturing is ahead of most other industries surveyed in its use of specific technologies. Technologies adopted by manufacturers include deploying IoT (59%), artificial intelligence (47%), robotics (53%), mobile private networks (28%) and mobile access edge computing (24%). Automation is also a top priority for manufacturers, with 84% currently automating some level of automation. About 44% reported that they are automating routine tasks, and 39% reported that they are automating tasks that are inherently risky.

Marc Sauter, head of IoT product management for the Vodafone business, was quoted in Computer Weekly as saying: “The pandemic has clearly led many manufacturers to accelerate their digital transformation plans and invest in modern technologies that will position them well for the future." "Technologies such as IoT, 5G and mobile private networks are critical to securely connecting assets in the factory, enabling innovation and new use cases such as automated guided vehicles, augmented reality and virtual reality on the shop floor and connected robots) are critical.”

The rise of artificial intelligence, which enables advanced and real-time analytics, is driving these initiatives forward. A report in MIT Technology Review states: "Deploying AI applications at the forefront of 5G has the potential to generate new revenue streams and position AI as the standard bearer for 5G." The report's authors note that this brings benefits including Opportunities include smart manufacturing, enhanced retail logistics and automated warehouses.

The MIT report delves into the use of artificial intelligence, edge and 5G applications at Audi. The automaker is applying "artificial intelligence reasoning and computer vision" to factory floors with autonomous robot welders that can react in real time and solve problems that may arise while welding car frames. “In the past, welding required significant manual intervention and inspection to ensure adequate quality,” said Nick McKeown, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Networking and Edge Group. “Now, with cameras checking weld quality, the need for manual intervention is significantly reduced.”

Like other manufacturers leading edge, 5G and AI implementations, Audi aims to create products with scalable and flexible Platform smart factory.

As explored in the Vodafone-LSE report, these forward-thinking companies share a common trait: they are adaptable and willing to actively explore new technological approaches. They "are investing more time and money into digital transformation. But it's important to know that becoming [a digital leader] doesn't rely on going faster. In fact, every business should take it one step at a time and put themselves Attitudes towards technology are equally important."

Research from Vodafone and the London School of Economics shows that leading companies "are more willing to be the first to try new technologies, which helps them advance their business and seize opportunities to gain Returns.” Notably, 86% of leading companies say they are taking action to address an automated world, compared with 75% of businesses overall. In addition, 51% of leaders said they are training employees in skills that automation cannot replace. ”

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