5G Smart manufacturing in the age of 5G

A review on the transformative potential of smart manufacturing and 5G, exploring its myriad applications and the paradigm shift it brings to the industry.

- Sujatha Vishnuraj

5G is a revolutionary advancement in wireless communication, offering unparalleled speed, reliability, and connectivity. Unlike its predecessors, 5G boasts multigigabit data transmission rates, with peak speeds reaching up to 20 Gbps. This exceptional velocity, paired with ultra-low latency of less than five milliseconds (ms), opens up a realm of new possibilities across multiple sectors, especially in industries reliant on real-time data processing. Manufacturing is one such sector. 5G is one of the most promising technologies for manufacturing networks of the future. Fifth-generation networks offer many advantages over 4G technology as well as fixed and Wi-Fi communication infrastructure, based on the fact that it is a carrier-based cellular technology.

The integration of smart technologies with 5G networking heralds a paradigm shift in manufacturing, promising enhanced efficiency, agility, and innovation. The sector is poised for a remarkable transformation, driven by the convergence of cutting-edge technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for automation and resilient supply chains, amplifying the importance of 5G in facilitating remote operations, predictive maintenance, and agile production processes. As industries adapt to the post-pandemic landscape, 5G becomes indispensable for both recovery efforts and future-proofing manufacturing operations.