5G stands to be one of the biggest technological milestones in history and will not only change the way we communicate but also have a major impact on all industries. Increasing download speeds to 10 gigabytes per second will enable more effective applications in big data, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. A report by consultancy PwC puts the effect 5G will have on global GDP by 2030 at $1.3 trillion.
The technology is already bringing about change in the shipbuilding sector, with Telefónica and Navantia, in Spain, establishing Europe’s first 4.0 shipyard. The shipyard has deployed two full 5G networks and connected an edge computing center at a nearby Telefónica exchange, making it the largest private 5G network for industrial use deployed to date.
The data transfer capacity enables technology applications in the shipbuilding industry, including augmented reality, which is used to facilitate repair work through remote technical assistance. In addition, 5G networks enable the optimization of the manufacturing and repair processes of large ships through simulation using 3D images, which reduces costly manufacturing errors.
A large amount of data needs to be processed in real time, which is possible thanks to the 5G network and a nearby edge computing center with high processing capabilities. The factory model will evolve into a dynamic factory with improvements in production and efficiency.