5G+Robots=Manufacturing Innovation

You might have noticed over recent months that everyone at Verizon is extremely excited about how 5G is set to change the way we work, live and play – forever. From my perspective, given my focus on the enterprise world, I’m particularly interested in how 5G will enable massive steps forwards in technologies such as automation and robotics, augmented and virtual reality and the next-gen cloud, and how my customers will use these new disruptive technologies to move their businesses forwards. It’s clear that in the enterprise space, business and Governments all around the world are looking at 5G as a the key to taking digital connectivity to a whole new level, enabling people, businesses and communities to do amazing things.

Last week our Business Group CEO, and my boss, Tami Erwin, posted on LinkedIn about our commitment to helping industries explore the potential of 5G in our 5G Labs, and through challenges such as the Built on 5G Challenge. Innovators from all around the world are already finding ways to use 5G’s low latency, high speeds and massive bandwidth to come up with solutions to real-world problems.

RealBotics is one company that is doing just this, using 5G to enable near real-time remote control. The company was one of seven winners of the Verizon 5G Robotics Challenge, which asked universities, startups, and other developers to create 5G-powered robotics technologies that could transform modern industry. The winners received grant funding and were given access to Verizon’s 5G to lab to test their concepts on a live 5G network.

RealBotics has developed a tele-robotics platform which enables remote control of a robotic arm using essentially just a VR headset connected to a 5G-enabled smartphone, augmented reality overlays and a simple video game-type controller. Just one application this can be used for is the remote repair of industrial robots. If an industrial robot breaks down, that can be disastrous for the manufacturing line – especially as technicians with the ability to repair these complicated and expensive machines are often few and far between. 5G enables almost instant responsiveness from the headset to the robotic arm, meaning repairs can be made by a remote technician.

The upshot? No break in manufacturing. No impact on the bottom line.

You can read more about the RealBotics story – and see the company’s robotic arm in action! – on our newscenter. In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it’s clear that connectivity is foundational, and 5G connectivity is transformational, enabling businesses to become more efficient than ever before. RealBotics is showing what this could mean in the real world. I’m excited to see what comes next.