The Industrial Internet of Things

By Staff Report November 30, 2024 7:25 pm IST

Industry 4.0 has phases, and in each phase, a technological aspect is added to better the existing system. China and Japan have crossed this threshold and are now implying 5.0 principles in their operations. Every technology is dependent on the internet, and to achieve high-end goals, high-speed internet is a must. 5G provides the speed to make robots work and serve us. What else is it doing for manufacturers?

Modern manufacturing units are overwhelmed with machines, robots, data , and sensors. The wiring and handling of this technology require high-speed connectivity and reduced latency. Here is where 5G, a wireless technology, comes into play by delivering faster speed, more reliable connections, and greater capacity than previous networks. 5G technology has a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gbps, while the peak speed of 4G is only 1 Gbps.

Manufacturers deal with huge databases from production to delivery and post-delivery functions. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a factor for managing manufacturing data, but there are limits to the amount of data that can be managed and processed. The underlying issue is the limited bandwidth and capacity Wi-Fi-based networks on shop floors can deliver. The specific shop floor environment and the range of applications in use heavily influence the performance and reliability of these networks. 5G technology provides unparalleled connectivity and data exchange. Bharath Bommai, Managing Director, AshwaEnergy Pvt Ltd., shares that ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and vast device connectivity of 5G allow for real-time data transfer and control of industrial machinery, resulting in increased operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and automation. Additionally, 5G handles many connected devices for greater scalability. It supports smart factories where every component is interconnected. Data exchange’s improved speed and reliability will help manufacturers leverage advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics more effectively and ultimately produce higher-quality output. 

We all are having a constant discourse on AI and ML. 5G improves these digital experiences through machine learning (ML)-enabled automation. The requirement is such that we demand responses within fractions of a second and create a frenzy if an internet connection is lost even for a while.

Live cases

Companies that have already adopted 5G-enabled IIoT technologies are reporting significant gains in operational efficiency, with real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance reducing downtime, shares Yuvraj Shidhaye, Founder and Director of TreadBinary. Product quality also improved. Manufacturers can respond swiftly to market demands through flexible production processes and improved supply chain visibility.  

Bosch installed a 5G campus network into its operation, pioneering the adaption. At its Industry 4.0 lead plant in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, the company envisioned manufacturing under previously unheard-of conditions, where data can be reliably and ultra-fast, and machines react instantly. Wireless implementation was laid for critical applications that require absolute precision and safety. People and machines were integrated to cooperate safely and without barriers.  The 5G campus network offers maximum security and independence, integrated into the existing IT infrastructure and continuously monitored. “Campus networks give us control – over what happens in the factory and over how data is transferred both within and beyond the factory walls,” said Dr. Michael Bolle, board of management member and CDO/CTO at Bosch.

Policies and regulations

Clear regulatory frameworks, spectrum availability, and incentives for infrastructure development are necessary to accelerate the 5G rollout. Policies that support innovation, data security, and interoperability will provide the users with the much-required confidence in the technology and encourage manufacturers to adopt 5G solutions, says Shubhankar Chatterji, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cummins India. Government collaboration with industry stakeholders rural network expansion and cost barriers, ensuring the technology benefits manufacturers of all scales, including automotive companies.

Standardisation and cybersecurity require government intervention on an urgent scale. When AI took over post-pandemic, cybercrimes like morphing and imitation increased drastically. Policies are essential for seamless integration, with clear guidelines for data protection and privacy will give manufacturers confidence in adopting these technologies without fearing security vulnerabilities. Additionally, governments can invest in research and development to advance IIoT technologies and foster the growth of a skilled workforce.

Yuvraj Shidhaye, founder and director of TreadBinary, shares that partnerships between industry, academia, and startups will accelerate the development of indigenous 5G technologies like BharatRAN. Initiatives like the Indigenous 5G Test Bed showcase the government’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance. Regulatory frameworks are being crafted to efficiently allocate spectrum, ensure cybersecurity, and promote fair competition. The government also leads by example, deploying 5G technologies in strategic sectors like defence and railways, demonstrating its practical applications. These efforts, combined with incentives for manufacturers to invest in 5G infrastructure, create a conducive environment for transforming the manufacturing sector through 5G-enabled IIoT.

5G technology operates the self-driving cars by providing them networks to enlist automation with ML and, eventually, deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI). 5G can automate things to a level that will cut down user costs and serve things on touch. Adapting 5G will bring ease to the manufacturers but needs a wider adoption and suitable infrastructure for support.

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Shubhankar Chatterji, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cummins India

5G has the potential to bridge gaps between manufacturers and suppliers through improved IIoT networks, facilitating collaboration between different manufacturers and suppliers by providing high-speed data transfer and reliable communication channels.

Bharath Bommai, Managing Director, AshwaEnergy Pvt Ltd

Government policies and regulations will be an important step in the widespread adoption of 5G for IIoT in manufacturing. By creating a favourable environment for investment, innovation, and collaboration, governments can accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and encourage businesses to adopt IIoT technologies.  

Yuvraj Shidhaye, Founder and Director, TreadBinary

Companies that have already adopted 5G-enabled IIoT technologies are experiencing momentous gains in operational efficiency, with real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance reducing downtime and enhancing product quality. 

Shyma Lodh, CEO of Vcom Technologies

5G-enabled IIoT is a key driver in the evolution of smart factories and the broader Industry 4.0 movement. Its ultra-reliable low-latency communication and massive IoT connectivity allow seamless integration of advanced robotics, AI, and real-time data analytics, enabling manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of automation, flexibility, and efficiency.