PREDICT-6G

Automation and control for industrial installations are based on programming blocks, which work as a sequence of commands and instructions that must be followed to be able to carry out the automated actions and achieve the purpose of the machinery and, at the same time, ensure the safety of the installation. These programming blocks relay on inputs coming from different signals from the installation. To be able to execute the program without any error, these inputs must be received at the right moment (in-time flows) to activate the subsequent sequences of the programs. This is the reason why determinism is critical to execute the program. All signals and commands needed to carry out the program must occur at the right moment and cannot be delayed or lost as if that happens, this would create an error, and the operation of the industrial installation would stop. 
To be able to ensure this kind of determinism, currently, industrial machinery leans on one side in the industrial protocols so signals and commands follow the correct order, and wire input (i.e., a sensor) is able to ensure that the signals are transmitted at the right time, to the Program Line Controller (PLC).
All this wire is a disadvantage to being able to have the flexibility and mobility required in a Smart Factory (i.e., as the movement of assets or combination of machinery).
Therefore, to remove all the wires from an installation and have a wireless connection, the same level of determinism, reliability, and latency as when connected via wires is required. This is not possible with current technologies. 
Added to this, industrial-specific deterministic technologies are used, isolated from other networks, to provide connectivity to the manufacturing process, including robots and conveyors. Among other problems, this isolated architecture forces industries to rely on in-house network deployments and computing architectures, not being able to benefit from the latest innovations brought, for example, by 5G. 
To exploit the benefits of new technologies that will provide wireless access with deterministic characteristics to robots controlled in the cloud, using the innovations on disaggregated architectures expected in 6G. 
This wireless access will enable concepts of flexibility, agility, and mobility for manufacturing, pillars for the Smart Factory. For this, it is necessary to evolve the current concept of automated manufacturing installations.