Verizon just announced their partnership with Corning to test their 5G technology in the latter’s factory automation operations. 5G technology first launched in the U.S. when Verizon introduced their 5G network in April 2019. With their latest collaboration, Verizon and Corning are integrating the technology in Corning’s fiber optic cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, NC. According to the two companies, they’re aiming to explore how 5G can enhance factory automation and quality assurance.
5G offers connections that are way faster than existing connections. Average download speeds are approximately 1Gbps and the technology is expected to become the norm by 2020. This makes it ideal for the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, as mentioned by experts, making it capable of establishing the infrastructure necessary to carry large amounts of data.
Low latency, fast speeds, and high bandwidth are exactly what Verizon and Corning believe can improve the manufacturing process, enhancing areas in machine learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality (AR/VR).
“5G will usher in the Fourth Industrial Revolution enabling massive steps forward in robotics and automation that will transform supply chain management and create smarter and more efficient factories,” said Tami Erwin, executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Business Group. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Corning to explore how 5G will ultimately reshape the way the manufacturing industry operates.”
Engineers from Verizon and Corning will be exploring how 5G can “dramatically speed data collection, allow machines to communicate with each other in near real time, and wirelessly track and inspect inventory using 5G-connected cameras. They will also be testing how 5G can improve the function of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) to make them more motion-efficient on the factory floor.
This collaboration further advances Verizon’s longstanding partnership with Corning, with their recent projects focusing on speed deployment solutions with the use of 5G as well. The two companies are also hoping to co-innovate new 5G-enabled solutions that can “potentially revolutionize the way good goods and services are produced.”
"Together, Verizon and Corning engineers expect to break new ground by identifying which 5G-enabled capabilities offer the most promise in a manufacturing environment," said Dr. Claudio Mazzali, senior vice president of technology for Corning’s Optical Communications business segment. "This builds on our collaboration with Verizon in a powerful way: Verizon turned to Corning for the fiber, cable, and optical connectivity innovations that are bringing their 5G network to life. Now Verizon is bringing 5G capabilities to a plant where those cable innovations are produced – completing the circle.”
For more on the latest news and advancements, check out how these MIT researchers explored the use of 5G in submarine and airplane communication here.