IBM, Samsung Electronics and M1 today opened the IBM Industry 4.0 Studio, which will combine advanced 5G connectivity with artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid cloud and edge computing capabilities to develop and test innovative Industry 4.0 solutions for enterprises in Singapore and across the region.
The Studio simulates operational use cases that demonstrate how businesses can harness the power of hybrid cloud and AI technologies and advanced 5G capabilities to transform critical operations and drive new value – from improving quality and productivity in production lines to empowering service and quality control personnel.
The project involves developing, testing and benchmarking real-world Industry 4.0 use cases involving autonomous guided vehicles, collaborative robots, 3-D augmented reality, and real-time AI visual and acoustic recognition and classification.
Supported by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) as part of Singapore’s 5G journey, the studio is hosting the country’s first 5G Industry 4.0 trial, testing real-world applications that can be applied in the manufacturing sector, while measuring and optimising the performance of enterprise 5G for industrial use.
With full-fledged 5G standalone capability set to cover at least half of Singapore by end 2022, the trial will drive more businesses to evaluate how they can integrate 5G into their existing operations.
“5G presents an enormous opportunity for enterprises to drive new value and transform their operations to harness the next era of industrial connectivity. It is crucial these businesses have an opportunity to test and evaluate these technological investments, and we are committed to working shoulder to shoulder with them to ensure they make the best decisions that will truly propel their businesses forward.” said Brenda Harvey, General Manager, IBM APAC.
The launch is the next step in Samsung and IBM’s global strategic partnership to advance 5G and edge industry innovation through enterprise networks and through cross-collaboration with global mobile operators.
“5G is a potential game-changer for Industry 4.0. It is important for Singapore to be the place where innovative 5G solutions can be developed and deployed globally. A strong 5G ecosystem will provide more opportunities for businesses and our people. We will work with industry to forge ahead with 5G, as we architect Singapore’s digital future,” said Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, IMDA.
M1 had rolled out 5G trials as early as 2018 and has developed more than 15 5G use cases, trials and partnerships.
"The use cases being tested and developed out of this project will help more Singapore businesses to adopt 5G, value-adding to the acceleration of Industry 4.0 and building a vibrant 5G ecosystem for Singapore,” said Manjot Singh Mann, CEO of M1.