Huawei recently held the 5G Smart Factory Forum, where it stated that innovative 5G-based solutions, including self-driving vehicles, AI-assisted quality control, and augmented reality remote maintenance, will become typical applications and core capabilities of future smart factories.
To promote the widespread adoption of 5G and AI technologies in Industry 4.0-related industries, and thereby contribute to the development of the digital economy, Huawei has pledged to continue to facilitate the inclusion of innovative 5G solutions for Industry 4.0 infrastructure in the Global Alliance for Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM Global), established by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Vicky Zhang, vice director of Huawei’s Global Corporate Communications Department, noted that in the fourth year of 5G commercial deployment, innovative applications combining 5G, AI and cloud computing technologies are being used in various industries, including smart manufacturing. She also noted that there are already mature best practices, such as HESC in Pati, that demonstrate the tangible business and social value of these innovative applications.
“Going forward, Huawei will work with international organizations such as UNIDO to promote the dissemination and application of 5G industrial infrastructure solutions and related capabilities around the world to drive the development of Industry 4.0,” Zhang said.
In July of this year, Huawei and UNIDO launched the AIM Global program, which is dedicated to creating a platform for cooperation and knowledge sharing, as well as promoting innovation and the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Dr. Ulrike Fassbender, a professor at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, believes that HESC is a prime example of rapid development and innovation driven by digitalization.
She said: “The impact of digital solutions such as augmented reality and autonomous forklifts powered by 5G connectivity are truly game-changers in the workplace. When done right, these technologies will allow workers to complete tasks more efficiently, protecting them from tiring and unhealthy tasks. These improved working conditions will be crucial for employment as the average age of the working population increases.”
Countries and companies that fail to effectively use technology will lose their competitiveness in the digital economy, and that the economy can only remain dynamic by revolving around the ecosystems that serve industry.
Sandor Papp, Deputy Director of HESC, said: “HESC first deployed a 5G-based automation solution in late 2019. Since then, we have integrated a dedicated core network with a local edge computing system to realize self-driving forklifts and full automation of the entire logistics system. In addition, AI-based quality control and AR-enabled remote maintenance have improved the logistics efficiency of our entire campus by 20%, greatly enhancing Huawei’s ability to serve European customers.”
“Moving forward, Huawei will leverage its strengths in research and development, digital technology, and supply chain to strengthen cooperation with all players in the supply chain. We will also help local companies expand their capabilities to adopt digital and intelligent technologies in production and operations so that we can achieve high-quality development together,” he added.
HESC, based in Hungary, is the largest supply center for Huawei outside of China and is responsible for supplying Huawei products to more than 50 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. The center handles 50,000 to 60,000 units of products each month and transports an average of 400 cubic meters of outbound cargo daily, carried by 30 trucks.
