As a pilot project, Ericsson and Comau are demonstrating a robot-based car assembly line simulated as a digital twin via virtual reality, combined with tablet-displayed information.
Using special glasses for virtual reality applications, visitors are immersed in the line and can “move” within it, monitoring the key parameters of the processes and of the machines, such as vibrations, temperature and pressures. A virtual reality digital dashboard, which can be used with a standard tablet, will identify situations that could create slowdowns or interruptions in the process by providing instructions to tackle the problem effectively.
The features of 5G connectivity allow users to collect a stable, continuous and massive flow of data in real-time that is vital for automation processes. Thanks to 5G low latency, the digital twin shows information related to the real robot in the form of visual outputs, which make it possible to understand how the robot activity will evolve in the cell. And from the data analysis, it is possible to anticipate faults and malfunctions, and identify which component must be repaired or replaced, suggesting which actions to take to operate effectively. In such a away, 5G can be the enabling technology for every analytics and digital intelligence remote activity on all assets of a production system, the pair say.
Says Maurizio Cremonini, Comau head of marketing and digital initiatives platform: “Comau's new digitally-interconnected equipment delivers real-time production data where and when it is needed, helping reduce downtime while improving overall quality. Digitised analytics provide customers with a wealth of information regarding production flows and throughput – information that is made available locally and remotely. 5G is an enabling driver for the digital transformation within the Industry 4.0 environment, specifically for low latency, bandwidth and plug-and-play connectivity of factory equipment. The demo showcased with Ericsson shows how a digital twin can work in a production line.”
Magnus Frodigh, head of research, Ericsson, adds: “Bandwidth and low latency, main features of the new 5G technology, are the crucial factors that will allow the acceleration of the digitisation and automation processes, enabling cutting-edge use cases in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. The demo we are presenting with Comau shows how 5G deployment in the industrial environment will allow users to increase productivity, reducing costs.”
