How 5G-Advanced Technology is Driving the Future of Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by the rapid development of new technologies such as 5G, IoT, AI, and cloud computing. These technologies are enabling new possibilities for vehicle production, performance, and user experience, as well as creating new business opportunities and challenges for automakers and suppliers.

China Unicom, a major telecommunications operator and Huawei, a global leader in ICT solutions, developed and implemented 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology in a smart factory (car roof production) for a chinese car maker in Baoding, China.

5G-A is the next generation of 5G technology, which offers ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and ultra-large connectivity, supporting 96% of industry applications in China.

The challenge: How to improve the efficiency and flexibility of car production?

Car roof production is a complex and high-end core manufacturing process, which requires high response speeds and reliability. Traditional industrial control relies on wired networks, which often result in production interruptions due to wire abrasion in mobile application scenarios. Moreover, wired networks are difficult to deploy and reconfigure, limiting the flexibility and customization of the production line.

The solution: 5G-A technology to enable flexible manufacturing.

China Unicom and Huawei are collaborating to deploy a commercial 5G-A flexible car production line in Baoding, China. The 5G-A equipment is being used in the car roof production line, which can produce different types of car roofs, such as panoramic sunroofs, sliding sunroofs, and fixed sunroofs, according to the customer orders and preferences.

5G-A networks offer ultra-high reliability and low latency, making them ideal for high-end core manufacturing processes that require high response speeds. Wireless industrial networks can eliminate wire constraints, facilitating easier network deployment and supporting flexible manufacturing. They also boost efficiency by integrating multiple functions, such as data collection (IT) and industrial control (OT) functions provided by two separate private lines in wired networks.

The results: Better production performance and customer satisfaction

The 5G-A flexible production line has achieved remarkable results, such as:

• Reduced downtime: The 5G-A network enables real-time monitoring and diagnosis of equipment and processes, as well as remote control and maintenance, reducing the risk of failures and downtime.
• Improved cycle time: The 5G-A network enables faster data transmission and processing, as well as seamless coordination and synchronization of machines and robots, improving the production cycle time and efficiency.
• Cost reduction: The 5G-A network enables more intelligent and automated production, as well as optimized resource allocation and energy consumption, reducing the operational and maintenance costs.
• Flexibility in the production line: The 5G-A network enables the dynamic adjustment and reconfiguration of the production line, as well as the customization and personalization of products, according to the market demand and customer preferences.
• Enhanced quality and safety: The 5G-A network enables more accurate and reliable quality inspection and control, as well as improved safety and security of the production environment.

How to join the 5G-A revolution in the automotive industry?

This 5G-A technology is reshaping the future of the automotive industry, creating new possibilities and challenges for the industry players also in other parts of this world.

More details here:

https://www.huawei.com/en/news/2023/6/5g-capital-innovation-project

https://www.huawei.com/en/news/2023/10/exquisiteautomotive-5gadvanced-chinaunicom

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