The boom in 5G, AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (internet of things) technologies seems to mean that the era of intelligent connectivity is just around the corner. This confluence of new technologies has enormous potential to change the way we live and work, but there are still many uncertainties and challenges that need to be resolved before the rosy vision can be realized.
1. Smart Connectivity: Convergence of 5G, AI and IoT
Intelligent connectivity is a brand new concept – in the future, the fusion of 5G, AI and IoT can be a catalyst to accelerate technological development and enable new disruptive digital services. Based on the vision of intelligent connectivity, AI is able to analyze and convert the data information collected by the Internet of Things (from machines, devices and sensors) into easy-to-understand language to present information in a more useful and meaningful way for users. This not only facilitates improved decision-making, but also personalizes the experience for users, ultimately making interactions between people and their surroundings richer and more meaningful.
The Internet of Things is becoming mainstream as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly complex due to rapid advances in computing power, the training of data scientists, and the availability of machine learning tools to create advanced algorithms. 5G represents another missing element that will take these technologies to the next level, enabling the vision of smart connectivity. The ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-latency connection network brought by 5G is combined with the massive data collected by the Internet of Things, and AI technology provides contextualization and decision-making capabilities. The combination of the three can bring benefits to almost all industries and fields. New transformational dynamics that could change our society and the way we live and work.
Smart connectivity is expected to play an important role in five key sectors: Transportation & Logistics, Industry & Manufacturing, Healthcare, Public Safety, Others
1. Transportation & Logistics
In the field of transportation, smart connectivity can improve road safety and the efficiency of vehicle movement, thereby making traffic flow more smoothly. And in logistics, smart connectivity has huge potential to improve the efficiency and flexibility of goods delivery, making logistics faster and cheaper.
Use case 1: AI-based driver assistance and traffic monitoring systems
Leveraging the low-latency nature of 5G networks, rich real-time information can be collected and shared between road users and roadside infrastructure. For example, the position and speed of cars, bicycles and pedestrians on the road, weather and road conditions, traffic jams and other road obstacles, etc… Intelligent traffic monitoring systems and on-board computers based on AI technology will use this information to guide drivers . For example, helping drivers avoid unexpected traffic accidents, or dynamically planning the best route to a destination.
Use Case 2: Self-Driving Cars
The combination of 5G and AI technologies will eventually lead autonomous vehicles to maturity and reliability. AI-based on-board computers will collect data from on-board sensors, roadside infrastructure units and other vehicles (via 5G) to help the car identify its surroundings so that it can adapt to any emergencies. Autonomous driving will also usher in a new model of “Mobility-as-a-Service,” which is similar to Uber but tailored for public transportation in the autonomous era. This model will be more economical than current public and private transportation options because it saves a lot of time and money in training and paying drivers.
Use Case 3: Delivering Goods Using Unmanned Transportation Equipment
5G networks can support a large number of unmanned transportation devices, whether they are flying in the air or running on the ground, such as unmanned robots and drones, and allow operators to fine-tune their routes of action to avoid colliding with other unmanned vehicles. Collision with a vehicle, roadside building or static obstacle. For example, drones are now a very promising, safe and fast way to deliver goods. If the destination is in a location with complex terrain or congested roads, the advantages of drones are more obvious. This method is less expensive than the current manual transportation system.
2. Industry & Manufacturing
In industry, smart connectivity can help increase productivity and reduce human error, thereby reducing costs and improving worker safety. Smart connectivity can also reduce the need for on-site workers by enabling remote control of industrial facilities, thereby increasing flexibility in the location of production facilities.
Use Case 1: Factory Automation and Remote Control of Industrial Robots
The high speed, ultra-low latency and high reliability of 5G will improve the automation of the production process and enhance the remote control of equipment and machines. For example, machine learning algorithms can use data collected from sensors and cameras along the supply line to alert operators of non-compliant operations in a timely manner, and the system can automatically correct errors in real time. 5G will also enable human operators to remotely monitor and adjust the behavior of industrial robots, and even interact with them in real-time through connected tools including touchscreen gloves or virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) headsets with haptic/visual feedback .
Use Case 2: Remote Inspection, Maintenance, and Training of Workers
At the same time, haptic web applications powered by smart connectivity can also help workers perform tasks such as remote inspections, remote maintenance and repairs. In inaccessible, desolate or dangerous areas, such as nuclear power plants, oil rigs, mining areas, etc., this approach can not only reduce costs, but also reduce risks. The same tools can also be used to perform and support personnel training, as well as simulate complex situations in a safe environment.
3. Healthcare
Smart connectivity can also help deliver more effective preventive health care at a more affordable cost, while helping healthcare managers optimize the use of re
