Where has 5G been deployed to enable training, worker support and assisted navigation?

The 5G-ENCODE project is deploying augmented and virtual reality to support design, training and advanced human–machine interfacing to enhance the quality of manual layup of composites. 5G Factory of the Future has implemented distributed and shared hybrid virtual spaces. It is thought that low latency instructions, enabled by 5G technology, could save about five seconds per instruction read compared with traditional methods. Using augmented and mixed reality, content is fed directly to workers at the point of use via devices such as wireless hand-held tablets and personal headsets. The industrial application integrates digital work instructions with CAD designs to help engineers carry out production and maintenance activities. It can also test the use of visual inspection to validate the positioning of labels and the parts they attach to in order to validate that a label has been positioned correctly and attached to the correct part. The technology is expected to create a reduction in travel costs (65%) and maintenance time (15%) arising from real-time, worldwide collaboration and increased ease of training and maintenance support.

Samsung is similarly using an AT&T 5G network to leverage its best people to train new employees and direct workflow by using extended reality. 

To find out more, watch the video below. 

Elsewhere, at the Port of Rotterdam, testing engineers from Shell have been equipped with an industrial tablet connected to 5G; important information, such as temperature or pressure of the process installation, is added to the tablet by way of augmented reality. This results in more efficient maintenance, in addition to an easily accessible digital recording of the process which can be shared with all relevant parties. 5G enabled smart helmets have also been provided to maintenance personnel who can stay in touch with experts  via video and audio to immediately decide what repairs are required. This is shortening the lead time for these inspections from days to hours.  Similarly, Northumbrian Water Group has also used a 5G private network to enable experienced technicians to remotely guide on-the-ground teams through complex tasks by relaying real-time infrastructure data and instructions. This is expected to considerably impact productivity. 

Nokia has worked with NTT DOCOMO to leverage a private 5G network for real-time coaching using AI. Machine operators are monitored using cameras, with an AI-based system that provides feedback on their performance on an analysis of their movements.  

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