These systems could have a huge impact on the way critical infrastructure and logistics networks operate. But getting there doesn’t just require groundbreaking technology – it needs significant changes in the way we think about industrial models, strategies and skills.
Such is the elevated pace of technological progress that just as many enterprises feel they have begun adapting to industry 5.0, the latest upgrade is already on the horizon. Industry 4.0 was powered by the integration of IoT (Internet of Things), cloud computing, advanced analytics, AI and machine learning into manufacturing processes and enterprise workflows. While many companies are still exploring the opportunities for efficiency gains, cost reductions and enhanced revenue this presents, technological transformation has not slowed down.
Industry 5.0 emerged as a concept looking to complement the technologies of industry 4.0 with an added focus on human, social and environmental value. And now industry 6.0 looks to create intelligent systems that can operate with little need for human intervention. As part of our Private Companies Showcase, we spoke to companies on the cutting edge of public transportation and logistics to unpack what it all means.
Optimizing public infrastructure
Optimizing public infrastructure
When we think about what constitutes “mission critical infrastructure”, a good place to start is any system that would cause a major social, economic, environmental and even political crisis if it failed. This includes power grids, water systems and telecommunications infrastructure. And it would also include public transportation. In a city like London, a breakdown in the bus or train network would likely impact millions of people.
In many countries, public transportation networks are underfunded and in need of an update to deal with growing capacity as well as the need to become more sustainable. We saw two examples of how smart technology can help overcome these challenges while also improving passenger experiences:
- In over 2,000 cities across the world, bus operators are using end-to-end platforms to design routes, allocate drivers, deliver service efficiency and manage timetables. All of these jobs have previously been done manually. Not only is this helping to better manage limited resources and provide a better service – it is also contributing to the move towards fleet electrification.
- By replacing the traditional switches that operate railway junctions with smart alternatives as well as placing smart sensors on trains themselves – it is possible to break down the data siloes that drive inefficiency, rising costs and capacity crises across the sector. When there is a central source of data, operators can benefit from predictive maintenance as well as optimizing routes and loads.
Amos Haggiag, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Optibus, explains how AI can transform transport systems
How do you integrate “ugly systems” with new ones?
How do you integrate “ugly systems” with new ones?
Like public transport, much of the world’s industrial and manufacturing operations need updating too. The main challenge with industry 5.0 and 6.0 is the sheer level of expenditure needed to upgrade and replace ageing assets. For enterprises in logistics and manufacturing, it can seem like a mammoth undertaking to create a unified view of the data collected by disparate systems – let alone make the whole thing autonomous.
And therein lies the issue that smart systems need to overcome with regards to industrial assets and infrastructure. Being able to not only take data from older, legacy systems, but to integrate with those systems to enhance existing operations and tailor applications to specific use cases is incredibly complex.
This market has large growth potential over the coming decade. To win, smart solutions providers need to show they not only help businesses overcome this complexity, but that they do so in a way that doesn’t result in untenable costs, security risks and resistance from employees.
Winning trust. Demonstrating value.
Winning trust. Demonstrating value.
Employees are not the only ones that will need to be won over by emerging industry 6.0 solutions. When it comes to assets, systems and infrastructure that billions of people around the world rely on every day, new entrants into the market will have to convince governments, public bodies and regulators that they are capable of delivering results.
Building trust is a long-term process, but there are several factors that smart solutions providers need to be able to demonstrate:
- Safety - Safety is paramount and companies will need to be able to demonstrate how they plan for and mitigate risks.
- Value - As an example, no two sets of rail infrastructure are exactly the same, so solutions need to show they can deliver flexibility as well as cost-savings and efficiency gains. It is possible to do this through the use of modelling (or “running a service on paper”) to show how decisions will be made in various scenarios.
- Data - Data maturity has emerged as a clear differentiator in the AI space in general – companies will need watertight and auditable collection, storage and analysis processes.
- Quality - As well as wanting to see a strong track record of delivering high-quality solutions at scale, governments are likely looking for companies that combine deep technical and sector knowledge with the ability to work alongside public bodies on large projects.
Focusing on the future
Focusing on the future
Whether it is electrifying fleets, decarbonizing existing processes or integrating new technologies into established workflows, there are some big challenges facing industry and infrastructure over the coming years. The outcomes are likely to impact the lives of millions of people every day. As our Private Company Showcase illustrated, there is a growing ecosystem of companies that are matching ambition with solutions that make industry 6.0 a real possibility.
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