Challenge
Manufacturers are in search of solutions that give them a competitive edge. Solutions that help improve efficiency, control costs and ensure quality. They need technologies that offer a near real-time view of machine performance, as well as the ability to collect, analyze and use data to better monitor operations and manage equipment remotely. And manufacturers are looking to:
- Improve product and output quality
- Enhance situational awareness based on adaptive digital models
- Extend machine lifetime through optimized performance
- Reduce potential cost of unplanned downtime due to machinery breakdown
- Conduct immersive, experiential training prior to production
- Lower the risk of worker injury
- Monitor machine wear and operation to reduce product defects
Solution
A Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband and multi-access edge computing (MEC) solution can power a digital twin (DT) solution that enables near real-time monitoring and control of machines and processes. The solution can provide streaming data for overlay of complex models on actual products by incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for optimum performance quality. The solution enables manufacturers to:
- Develop and incorporate complex digital models into a streaming environment with a digital equivalent of the physical systems
- Optimize performance through dynamic adjustment of equipment, processes and systems
- Conduct operator training via virtual reality (VR) prior to release to production for immediate skill learning and safety
- Detect and adjust for factory specific anomalies with machine learning and AI
- Gather machine performance data in specific situations and enable production optimization using adaptive digital models
Benefits
Manufacturers that leverage 5G and MEC-powered digital twin solutions can drive higher throughput, improve capital use and extend machine life. They can also:
- Lower the risk of worker injuries by optimizing machine operations using near real-time performance data
- Reduce product defects due to machine wear or improper operation with near real-time monitoring, which controls defect-related rework and the cost of repairing worn machines
- Facilitate faster, more effective training prior to production with DT and 5G-based VR models
- Control unplanned machine downtime to correct issues and avoid missed production schedules
- Boost competitiveness through continuous performance adjustments based on real-world data streams
Supporting Stats
- Global market for DT is expected to grow 38% annually to reach $16B by 20231
- By 2021, 50% of large industrial companies will use DT for a 10% improvement in effectiveness2
1 https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/signals-for-strategists/understanding-digital-twin-technology.html
2 https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/prepare-for-the-impact-of-digital-twins/
For discussion only. Verizon makes no representation that it can or will provide the proposed product/service/functionality depicted here at any specific time in the future or at all.