Date: 14. September 2021 | Photo: Geri Krischker | Autor: Alexander Lehrmann

There is no getting around edge computing on the way to becoming a smart factory. The technology forms the basis for future innovations in the Internet of Things, augmented reality and robotics. The two Sunrise UPC experts Alexander Lehrmann and Eduard Huisman discuss how industrial companies should proceed when introducing mobile edge computing, what needs to be considered and what opportunities this will open up.

Alexander Lehrmann, Development and Innovation: Eduard, you have been in charge of network and mobile core engineering at Sunrise for more than 20 years now. In this role, you and your team have, among other things, played your part in the introduction of the new 5G mobile communications standard. What are you currently working on?

Eduard Huisman, Senior Engineer: At the moment, I am very interested in mobile edge computing. The rollout of 5G has really put this topic on the map in the last few months. One of my focus areas is the introduction of this technology in the industrial sector. 

How would you explain edge computing in your own words? And what is the difference between edge computing and mobile edge computing?

Edge computing essentially just means that the data generated within a company is stored and processed locally instead of being uploaded to an external data center or the cloud. An advantage of this is greater data security, since the data does not leave the company. We speak of mobile edge computing when data is transmitted via a mobile communications standard such as 5G instead of via another communication network. Mobile cells within the building are required in order to connect businesses to 5G. 

5G delivers high bandwidths with low latencies. Edge computing, which is based on this standard, thus enables real-time data processing. What other advantages can companies expect when they use 5G for edge computing?

One major advantage is that all machines are connected to the network wirelessly. There is no need for cabling. This offers the highest possible degree of flexibility, especially for industrial enterprises: Machines configurations can be rearranged at any time and the fleet can be expanded without a hassle. This allows companies to react quickly and easily to changing production requirements. 

Real-time data processing, which was just mentioned, opens up completely new applications. Can you give some examples?

Mobile edge computing is actually a prerequisite for exploiting new technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics. These new technologies will in turn open up innovative applications.  

Let’s take the automation of production as an example. Dangerous production steps can be carried out by robots – when dealing with toxic substances or very heavy components, for example. This makes work safer for employees and helps safeguard their health. AR glasses can be used when servicing machines and training employees in performing maintenance work. With these glasses, experts can remotely come to the assistance of employees within just a few seconds and in stellar resolution. Experts no longer have to travel to the site and employees are empowered to independently master new tasks. 

Another use scenario encompasses the optimization of logistics processes by directly sharing data from the various production machines, collected through sensors, with the warehouse. This information helps them flexibly react to changes in production – for example by ordering any necessary components.

Do you also have a practical example – let’s say, relating to the production process at a customer’s premises?

Take our customer Georg Fischer Machine Solutions. They produce machines for high-precision parts such as aviation components. Milling can take up to three hours. If deviations from the norm are detected too late, the quality standard may fall below the tolerance limit. The part can no longer be used and must be disposed of. Thanks to edge computing, such deviations can already be detected during production, in real time. Machines can be recalibrated on the basis of these findings, reducing the amount of scrap. This is how edge computing increases production quality while simultaneously cutting production costs.  

With edge computing, industrial companies can optimize their processes based on data. What benefits does this bring? Process automation frees up resources for employees while improving the safety of everyone involved. Maintenance is carried out proactively to reduce machine downtime. The resulting savings in services and efficiency gains will lead to significant cost reductions.

You mentioned that mobile edge computing is essentially a means to an end. To leverage its full potential, people and machines need to communicate with each other and processes need to be initiated automatically with the help of artificial intelligence. What are the requirements for this?

This calls for people and machines to be interconnected using a stable communication network. With the foundation in place, it all revolves around integrating the right infrastructure, i.e. hardware and software. It makes sense to use tools with standardized interfaces to make sure applications can be leveraged across industries.  

Where does Switzerland stand today when it comes to smart manufacturing, and where is the journey headed?

In most companies, internal networking is still lagging behind the level required to enable cross-departmental communication between people and machines. Nevertheless, Switzerland is at the forefront of smart manufacturing. We are in exchange with some larger companies that have developed interesting ideas and want to start implementing them. The sector is well prepared to take the next steps towards networked, or intelligent, industry.  

What is required for these steps? 

Proof of concept is a must. Scheduled projects should first be tested in a small environment, to verify their feasibility. Once the concepts have proven their worth, scaling to the entire business environment is comparatively easy. I think that we will be able to implement some projects over the course of the next year. 

Are these projects restricted to large-scale companies or are edge computing and the associated possibilities also interesting for SMEs?

 Initially, such projects will be implemented primarily by large-scale companies, since they have the necessary resources. The initial costs are currently too high for SMEs, mainly because the solutions are still hard to scale. SMEs generally do not need the same range of functions as large-scale companies. After all, why would I drive a Ferrari if I just need to transport some rocks? The various market players are therefore already working intensively on solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of SMEs. 

What is the best way for industrial companies to proceed that want to develop into smart factories?

 As a first step, it is important that companies accurately analyze their processes to determine the potential for optimization at their factory. Because no one knows the processes as well as the employees who work with them. Afterwards, they should discuss their requirements and needs with a carefully selected partner to evaluate a suitable solution. Some companies would not yet benefit from edge computing solutions in light of the currently high initial costs. The partner should also be able to present some alternatives.  

Ideally, companies will rely on a partner that has its own healthy network. After all, the implementation of networked, smart industry calls for seamless interplay between providers of telecommunications, hardware and software. This way, the physical world will connect to the digital world virtually by itself. 

Multi Access Edge Computing 

MEC stands for multi-access edge computing. With multi-access edge computing, the edge technology runs independently of the connection. If, for example, a mobile communications standard such as 5G is used, the term mobile edge computing is used instead. As an innovative provider of various data networks, Sunrise is the ideal partner for effectively implementing edge computing. Besides the 5G mobile wireless standard, Sunrise also offers landline solutions such as fiber optics to cater to all business needs.