Verizon, a multinational telecommunications conglomerate, recently showcased two robots that use 5G connectivity and mobile edge computing to communicate with each other at the Mobile World Conference held in Barcelona, according to the media. Edge computing uses augmented reality (AR) and machine learning to analyse bulk data gathered from the factory floor, oil rig or office spaces. It requires a high-speed data transfer range to that of 5G signals.
The advanced robot technology is vital to make factory floors more efficient with automation and remote monitoring, cutting costs and the need for plant infrastructure. One of the robots is named Gigi, is dog-like and would walk stiffly on four legs. While the second robot, Mekeal, is a boxy bot that uses mobile edge computing (MEC).
Rima Qureshi, Chief Strategy Officer at Verizon, speaking at the Barcelona conference said, “When you have more than one robot on the floor, you run into a problem, as these are still just machines, and they can’t naturally communicate with one another. 5G will make it possible for robots to connect with other robots and devices of all kinds in a way that simply wasn’t possible before.”
A recent Research and Markets report stated that the market for the global 5G in the cloud is expected to reach $10.6 billion by 2028, growing at 79.2 percent. Verizon is also said to be working on connected drones to be deployed in smaller locations.