5G and edge computing have come together to usher in a new wave of innovation that could affect almost every aspect of our lives. 5G represents a generational leap in cellular technology in terms of speed, latency, and performance. It is hoped that this potential to carry huge volumes of data from billions of connected devices will accelerate the adoption of connected and smart devices in all industries. When 5G pairs with on-edge computing, moving cloud computing resources closer to where the data is generated, the resulting applications can transform products and experiences in ways that were previously beyond our reach.
Imagine being able to use real-time updated high-definition 3D maps that offer realistic city views to help you navigate to your destination and get critical information about road safety and these real-world views that they appear on the windshield of your car. augmented reality (RA).
In this new world of 5G and cutting-edge computing, driving can be less stressful with “transparent” features that allow your vehicle to understand what’s going on on the road, even if your eyesight is blocked by trucks or trees. Vehicles should be able to take preventive or evasive actions autonomously to prevent vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians or cyclists. A localized traffic analysis can be performed to provide vehicles with an improved route that prevents slowdowns and traffic jams.
5G and Edge computing can also bring more excitement to entertainment with new immersive experiences for live events. For example, sports fans will be able to view current playback from various angles in 4K, switching between real-time views as they occur. They should also be able to look for instant stats, historical averages, and even get an instant probability of the outcome of the next play. Sites will have a real-time mapping of waiting times to eat or to use the nearest facilities.
There is also huge potential to use this combination of reliable connectivity and powerful cloud services to improve every aspect of manufacturing. For example, in the trials that are taking place today, computer vision software uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enable autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and mobile robots. Automated (AMR) factories transport cargo with speed and safety. . AI / ML processing of video streams in the manufacturing process can be used for quality control and to detect safety issues. Manufacturers should also be able to detect possible breakdowns and perform predictive maintenance and upkeep of the machinery on site, ensuring efficient and smooth operations.
When products arrive in retail stores, AMRs can be used for stock checking, inventory storage, and other back room operations. IoT sensors will be used to ensure the integrity of the cold chain and applications hosted on edge computing will help with logistics and monitoring to ensure coolness and stable temperatures, preventing deterioration and improving inventory tracking in real time.
Tomorrow’s shopping experiences will also be different. Software vendors use augmented reality and virtual reality (AR / VR) to aid in-store navigation. Relevant and personalized information about products and offers can also be displayed in RA applications to provide a real “VIP” experience. Innovative features are also being developed to catch up and go that should reduce the time we spend on cash lines in popular stores.
Verizon 5G Edge, which combines Verizon’s 5G network with AWS’s computing and storage infrastructure, brings data and processing by applications and services to the end user on the edge of the 5G network, enabling it to develop and deploy these innovative applications. You can learn more about some of these exciting use cases at http://verizon.com/5gedgeawscloud.