In the ever-changing world of industrial automation, the introduction of 5G technology is a significant step forward, especially in complex sectors such as oil and gas. Industries are always striving for more efficiency, reliability and productivity, and this has led them to adopt advanced automation solutions. The earlier shift to 4G brought faster internet and now 5G has taken it a notch higher. It represents the highest level of wireless networks, promising incredible data capabilities, endless call volumes and unlimited data broadcast. With 5G transforming industries, particularly oil and gas, one can envision a future where everything in the industrial world is connected and intelligent.
5G key to automation
In the context of the evolving landscape of manufacturing industries and their digital transformation, Industry 5.0 has emerged as a paradigm designed to seamlessly integrate ecology, industry, and society through cutting-edge technologies. These technologies encompass robotics, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, augmented reality (AR), collaborative robots (Cobots), virtual twins, and predictive analytics derived from field instrumentation equipment data. The driving force behind Industry 5.0 is the incorporation of new technologies, notably intelligent automation and 5G communications, which play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industrial connectivity.
Apart from these, 5G provides Industry 5.0 with speeds 10-20 times faster than its predecessor, 4G. The technology achieves the highest reliability with latency guarantees below 10 milliseconds (ms) through ultra-reliable low-latency communication. Furthermore, the capability to connect up to 1 million devices per square is made possible by massive machine-type communication. As 5G networks continue to evolve, they hold the potential to replace wired real-time wireless networks, even in the most demanding applications, such as asset/location tracking and motion control high-throughput vision systems.
The shift towards digitalisation in manufacturing industries is driven by various factors, such as increasing revenue through improved customer service, meeting growing demand, staying ahead of competitors, cutting costs through enhanced productivity and efficiency, and reducing risk by prioritising safety and security.
Challenges encountered
Digitisation in industries faces key challenges and necessitates certain requirements, including the need for ultra-reliable, resilient and instantaneous connectivity for a multitude of devices, cost-effective devices with extended battery life, effective asset tracking in dynamic supply chains, the execution of remote medical procedures, leveraging AR/virtual reality (VR) to elevate the shopping experience, and employing AI to optimise operations across various enterprise domains.
A synchronised evolution
The industrial landscape is in the midst of a technological evolution, marked by the integration of cutting-edge advancements. Intelligent or cognitive automation has emerged as a cornerstone, promising to elevate operational efficiency, compress time-to-market, and fortify security measures. This paradigm shift is facilitated by businesses harnessing intelligent automation trends, deploying them to generate and process extensive data sets, automate end-to-end operations and heighten efficiency in industrial processes.
The rise of collaborative robots, also known as Cohorts or Cobots, signifies a shift towards cooperative automation. Natural language processing and conversational AI enhance human-machine interactions, fostering a more intuitive operational environment. Process prioritisation and optimisation are achieved through closed digital loops, while enterprise visualisation, converging information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and engineering technology (ET) empower on-the-spot data analysis.
The field of virtual twins has also been a game changer. By employing rules and principles, it predicts dynamic processes hours in advance, anticipating behaviours that may go undetected through conventional means.
AR and cloud virtual play a pivotal role in fieldwork and digital work instruction. They seamlessly acquire and integrate scattered operational and maintenance (O&M) information within plants, leveraging AR technology and mobile devices. This approach enables on-site information display and work recording, significantly improving mean time to recover and expediting decision-making.
With the journey into the latest developments unfolding, the focus has shifted to advancements in field instrumentation. Instruments now offer precise measurement of internal process temperature without thermowells or process penetration. This not only streamlines design and engineering processes but also enhances safety by eliminating the need for process shutdowns and pipe modifications.
The integration of connected automotive solutions, driven by 5G’s reliable connections and 10 ms network latency, facilitates autonomous and coordinated driving, enabling remote monitoring, maintenance suggestions and data transfer from unmanned locations such as river water intake systems.
Smart manufacturing has taken centre stage, with the convergence of 5G, AI and IoT transforming factory floors. Predictive maintenance, cost control, and precision in analysing industrial processes have become the norm. The incorporation of isochronous real-time condition monitoring systems is further enhancing their utility.
Of late, connected drones have become the new delivery platforms for government, commercial and consumer applications. They support professional inspections, security and automated flights, aligning with the digital sky initiative. Combining drones with laser scanning revolutionises industrial modelling and upgrades. Another key development includes social networks, thriving on high-density videos, live broadcasting and content sharing. 5G can become the backbone for revolutionary retail applications, emphasising an unparalleled customer experience. A personal touch is added with the emergence of personal assistants. Helmets equipped with AI, 5G, cloud technology and sensors capture images, upload videos and assist visually impaired individuals. This technological philosophy extends to developing digital helmets for O&M personnel in plants.
It also culminates in the vision of a smart city, where integration encompasses public Wi-Fi, CCTV, air quality monitoring, smart electricity meters, grid, street lights, water network systems, citizen engagement portals, e-health services and school management. This holistic approach paints a picture of interconnected urban development and citizen services, setting the stage for a technological renaissance.
This unfolds a synchronicity in the narrative, presenting a seamless flow through the diverse realms of technological evolution, from intelligent automation to the transformative potential of virtual twins.
The way forward
The oil and gas industry stands at the brink of a transformative era with the integration of 5G networking technology. The identified benefits span across improved infrastructure integration, enhanced data handling capabilities, and automation efficiencies in distribution and operations. Notably, 5G facilitates connectivity and monitoring of remote sites, such as wind farms, while also bolstering industrial control and automation systems. The deployment of 5G networks is set to unfold progressively, offering a robust platform for new digital services and business models. As a turning point in communications, 5G promises high-powered connectivity for billions of devices, ushering in a new era of IoT-driven services. Its revolutionary impact extends to healthcare, transportation and immersive experiences through VR and AR. In essence, 5G’s attributes of high speed, reliability, bandwidth capacity and low latency are acting as a catalyst for unparalleled advancements, benefiting both corporations and consumers across diverse sectors.
Based on a presentation by D.S. Latha, General Manager, Tata Consulting Engineers, at a recent India Infrastructure conference