How 5G is giving businesses the innovation edge

Case Study: Manufacturing

We all know the word “innovation” is overused and has evolved into a generic term constantly banded around by execs, marketeers, and even politicians. That said, anyone that works in tech also knows it’s the lifeblood of our industry. To drill through the fluff, let’s look at four types of innovation strategies that businesses typically pursue: radical, disruptive, architectural, and sustaining. This helps us better quantify risk, gauge the kind of investment needed, and potential competitive outcomes. I’ll then share some examples of how 5G has fueled each.

Learn how 5G has spurred sustaining innovation for Toyota. XR Today recently published a case study detailing the use of extended reality (XR) by Toyota Material Handling (TMH). They needed to deliver immersive and engaging training to technicians in about 1,000 dealerships across North America. They combined XR with Metaverse technologies, digital twins, and Meta’s Oculus Device which allowed them to place their trainers in virtual spaces and receive training in using various pieces of equipment. Vehicles were created in 3D and machines were pixel perfect and interactive, leading to a digital recreation of their Columbus factory. This solution required not only technical components but also a complex change management process. Overall, the solution saves Toyota and their dealers time, cost, and material waste.