There has been a whole lot of buzz around 5G over the last few years, but there was an element of mystery surrounding it. Finally, India can now experience the use of the next-generation network. For the unversed, this technology isn’t just going to facilitate faster downloads, but is likely to revolutionize several other areas, including healthcare, agricultural productivity, and remote education, among others.
While this is promising news, let’s bring in another technology that has been making several inroads. Any guesses? Yes, it’s Artificial Intelligence (AI). Imagine when two of the most powerful pieces of a puzzle come together – it heralds the advent of a revolution.
Before we get to that, let’s first understand what sets 5G apart.
5G: The next frontier in technology
As we have discussed above, 5G is a fifth-generation mobile network that promises high data speeds, low latency, unbelievable network capabilities, and a far more smooth experience for its users. Unlike 4G, its prowess is not just limited to top-notch broadband experiences. It is designed to connect everything – this means ‘everything’ from machines, objects, and devices falls under its ambit. These characteristics will also help mobile networks offer their support to mission-critical systems, enabling further adoption of AI, VR, XR, IIoT, and more.
A study titled ‘5G accelerates economic growth’ published by Accenture reveals that “5G can support potentially one million devices per square kilometre and deliver ultra-reliable millisecond response.” This highlights the potential of 5G to deliver use cases that can steer economic growth.
The impact that it drives is proof – 5G-enabled factories experience close to 20-30% overall productivity gains, while in healthcare, the next-gen technology allows more post-acute care and home-based models, with savings greater than 30%. This is also relevant when it comes to automotive, utilities, and other industries.
5G and AI: A match made in heaven
Not all technologies are complementary, but that cannot be said in the case of 5G and AI. In fact, the two are a powerful duo that can steer innovation like no other. So, how can we scale intelligence?
Here’s the answer – AI processing must take place close to the end user, on devices like a smartphone, car, a laptop, or even XR glasses, explains Qualcomm in its blog ‘What’s the role of artificial intelligence in the future of 5G and beyond?’
Processing the data like this can ensure higher efficiency and better performance, while maintaining privacy. “We envision the edge cloud connected by a high-bandwidth, low-latency 5G connection, to play an increasingly important and complementary role to an on-device AI, further augmenting the system’s processing capability and delivering new capabilities.”
The good news is that 5G can enable AI to come up with many more unique use cases that can generate more revenue streams. One use case where the two can utilize their potential is smartphones. For instance, Google Photos taps into the power of these technologies to sort out photos and recognize objects, as the app gets populated. This is something that almost all of us experience, but there’s more!
What are the other use cases?
Smart infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and even health diagnostics need the support of AI. But here’s a question – how will these work if data is not processed in real-time? The process is quite time-consuming otherwise, and in the process, its relevance gets lost. That’s where 5G steps in to help move AI compute capabilities out towards the edge of the network.
What’s more, with a wider range of bands used in 5G, it can offer up to 20 Gbps in peak performance and supports 100 times more network traffic. The latency is also 10 times lower than 4G.
According to data by Dell Technologies, there are several manufacturers that are combining the power of AI and 5G for edge-based predictive maintenance applications. Many of them are also using these technologies for video analytics to facilitate better quality control mechanisms. Not only does this improve efficiency, but also helps enhance the productivity of employees who do not have to spend time working on mundane tasks.
This is also prevalent in healthcare, where AI and 5G are being used to help triage patients. This has also helped to improve patient outcomes.
All in all, there’s no reason not to dive deep into the power of these two disruptive technologies. You are in the middle of a revolution – it’s time to experience it now!
Source: indiaai.gov.in
