May 2019

| 0 6 | May 2019 www.smartmachinesandfactories.com | NEWS | The UK’s first live 5G factory trials are beginning at the Worcestershire 5G Testbed, in a landmark step towards the creation of smart factories in Britain. The trials mark the first time that British industry has deployed this next generation technology and it is set to completely transform the way the sector operates. In a huge step on the UK’s journey towards Industry 4.0, the process allows manufacturers to test the potential of 5G investments - from factory floor production, reconfiguration and real-time analysis, to steering a machine’s movements from a remote location. Engineering company Worcester Bosch is testing 5G for improved factory output, exploring preventative maintenance using IoT sensors and data analytics to predict failure. Meanwhile multinational defence company QinetiQ has been designing security into the network and applications known as “security by design”. Leading global manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak is also using 5G to conduct trials that will demonstrate how 5G can be used to enhance factory productivity. The technology will be used for two troubleshooting applications, one of which allows senior engineers to remotely guide onsite engineers through machine maintenance. The trials will all test end-to-end Artificial intelligence in industry and robotics, the potential of the new 5G mobile communications standard for industrial applications, lightweight design, and the future of work in a time of increasing digitalisation were this year’s most important topics at the world’s leading tradeshow for industrial technology, Hannover Messe. Approximately 6500 exhibitors from around the world presented solutions for the future of manufacturing and energy supply, including more than 500 examples of the deployment of artificial intelligence in industrial manufacturing, 5G applications, and solutions for the energy and mobility transitions. Robotics was also a major draw for visitors. Leading robot manufacturers and robotics start-ups demonstrated real-world applications for all industry sectors. Thilo Brodtmann, executive director of the German Engineering Federation, commented: “There are a few clouds on the horizon for the mechanical engineering industry right now, making the role of Hannover Messe all the more important as a continued beacon for industry and innovation. Mechanical engineers are at the vanguard of connected production environments, and the strong interest shown by visitors in machine-to- machine communication and the ‘global machine language’ OPC UA confirms that our members are at the forefront of developments. Another critical factor for integrated manufacturing is the ultrafast 5G mobile telecommunications standard, and this year’s Hannover Messe generated some real momentum in this area. The Industry 4.0 wave has been rolling for a few years, and this year’s fair revealed how far we have come since it all started.” As a major premiere, the show’s technology partners Nokia and Qualcomm treated visitors to the first- ever 5G test environment. This enabled both solution providers and potential users to demonstrate and try out the potential of this new mobile telecommunications standard for industrial applications. The 5G premiere at Hannover Messe also marked the start of Deutsche Messe’s “smart venue” initiative, which over the course of the next several months will turn the Hannover Exhibition Center into the world’s first tradeshow venue with fully operational 5G technology. Dr. Klaus Mittelbach, CEO of the ZVEI industrial association, commented: “5G and Hannover Messe are a perfect fit…Next year’s fair will feature numerous applications for 5G technology. Companies in the electrical engineering and electronics sector are eager to use this new mobile communications standard. Together with artificial intelligence, it is going to be an important competitive factor.” 5G premiere at Hannover Messe Government-backed Worcestershire 5G Consortium switches on Britain’s first 5G factory