News
How 5G technology can help ignite the creative spark – by Kirsty Scott
Published: 17th April 2024
Kirsty Scott, Senior Business Engagement Manager at The Scotland 5G Centre
Have you ever reached for a special bottle of wine only to realise the bottle opener is nowhere to be found? So much potential but no way to access it. In a way, it’s a problem affecting businesses right now – maybe not the wine part but bear with me.
The technology available to businesses and organisations is expanding faster than ever before. And as those tools, applications and systems become more sophisticated, getting the most from them requires more specialist tools.
When it comes to the world of IoT, connectivity is the bottle opener and 5G is one of the best on the market. A reliable and fast connection to the internet allows a host of IoT devices and data driven applications like VR, AR, avatars or immersive experiences to be connected. Providing users with the ability to securely connect quickly and seamlessly with a variety of data sources will allow businesses to unlock a world of innovation and new potential. And for industries like fashion, film and gaming, 5G-enabled technology could be transformative.
Fashion’s high-speed revolution
Technology that was once the reserve of sci-fi films is now providing practical, real life support to those working in fashion. In a boundary-breaking advancement for the industry, 5G is enabling creators and audiences to seamlessly connect and collaborate virtually – just look at the Hidden Floors project by Scotland Redesign that allowed local fashion designers to collaborate hundreds of miles apart and showcase their digital creations in a virtual exhibition space via a 5G network.
Not only have 5G-enabled technologies created opportunities to connect with buyers across the world, but they have also had a significant environmental and cost impact by reducing the need to travel to buyers or organise physical runway shows in different locations.
In fact, according to a report by ORDRE, from 2018 to 2019, an estimated 241,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions were released due to travel undertaken by buyers and designers attending international fashion weeks – that’s like burning 1,205 railcars’ worth of coal. This is one way that 5G-enabled technologies could help reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
Levelling up the gaming and eSports industry
Another creative cluster that has not only embraced but benefitted from advanced connectivity is the gaming and eSports industry.
5G-enabled technology has taken sports entertainment to a whole new level. By providing low latency, high bandwidth connectivity, players can download large files quickly and stream seamlessly without any disruptions or lag. In an industry where a split-second can be the difference between winning and losing, a strong connection is vital.
And it’s not just for fun anymore with some now valuing the UK’s gaming sector at £7.05bn with an estimated £350m contributing to the Scottish economy.
5G in VR and AR platforms also play a role in enhancing live streaming and audience spectatorship for eSports events. While these technologies aren’t new to the scene, they previously had to rely on a wired connection or chunky hardware to do the heavy lifting.
5G allows users to stream high definition (HD) content and supports interactions from multiple players at one time without the need for a tethered connection, creating a more collaborative and seamless gaming experience for fans and players alike.
Breaking boundaries in virtual production
In the film and broadcast industry, 5G will unlock new opportunities for content creation, distribution and consumption of digital entertainment. Having a faster, flexible and more reliable connection will allow production companies to stream HD videos and seamlessly upload large files to the cloud. Additionally, the ability to collaborate remotely in real time with the use of VR and AR technologies reduces production costs and timelines.
But that’s just the beginning. 5G is continuing to expand and, although its full potential is yet to be realised, Abertay University and a consortium of partners including ourselves are already making waves in the UK movie industry.
Using a new virtual production technique, actors can work together remotely but in real-time, linked by a 5G internet connection. Proving the sheer capability of a wireless virtual production, the project uses computer-generated imagery (CGI) and HD LED screens for motion capture to support real time interaction.
Not only is it a climate friendly approach to production due to the reduced need for travel, it’s also a faster, less expensive and more effective alternative to green screens.
As an enabler technology, 5G’s enhanced capabilities can be the key creative organisations need to unlock the world of IoT and the benefits it can bring. As 5G continues to develop and evolve, it can turbocharge the future growth of the creative industries, giving organisations the tools they need to access different ways of working and collaborating. All it takes is a bottle opener.
Ayrshire’s 5G Vision Comes Alive: Exciting Engagement at the Innovation Region Event
Published: 5th February 2024
PARTNERS underlined their commitment to making Ayrshire a ‘5G Innovation Region’ at an event this month.
The Scotland 5G Centre hosted the event at HALO in Kilmarnock, joined by The Ayrshire Councils, University of the West of Scotland, Ayrshire College and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland as they shared their digital vision for the region.
Following the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – an official agreement – is set to be signed as the partners continue moving forward with their 5G Innovation Region proposals.
The partners held a first event with local businesses to raise awareness of the project, encourage participation and identify opportunities to unlock manufacturing excellence in Ayrshire. At the event, local businesses from manufacturing, food and drink and aerospace sectors heard from a number of speakers on the collaborative approach to the development and delivery of the project and the potential opportunities.
In November of last year, Ayrshire was one of two regions in Scotland to be successful in securing £3.7 million of funding from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) that will see regions transformed with new cutting-edge 5G and advanced wireless technologies.
DSIT are awarding over £36 million to regions across the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The successful 5G Innovation Regions will lead on delivering the Government’s vision for communities across the UK to take full advantage of the transformative effect that advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide – part of our wider ambition to drive telecoms innovation.
And at the event on Wednesday, the journey officially began as the partners outlined their vision and aspirations in developing Ayrshire as a ‘5G Innovation Region’.
The team will use the funding to build on technologies at three of the key strategic Ayrshire Growth Deal sites with The Scotland 5G Centre (S5GC) Innovation hub located in HALO (Kilmarnock) serving as the catalyst for 5G innovation where testing can happen in a 5G private network environment.
The other three sites are:
- National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland (NMIS) Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) at i3 Enterprise Area in Irvine
- Aerospace Innovation Hub, Prestwick International Aerospace Park
- Ayrshire Innovation Park, Moorfield, Kilmarnock
The enhanced 5G and wireless coverage will make these key strategic sites even more productive and desirable to investment – helping provide significant economic benefits.
At the event, local businesses heard from a number of guest speakers – including Kirsty Scott, Senior Business Engagement Manager from The Scotland 5G Centre, North Ayrshire Council’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development Louise Kirk, and Business Growth Manager Julia McMurdie, Ashleigh Jordan and Angus Verhagen, Innovation Managers from Vodafone and David Hernandez, Project Manager, DPMC – as they showcased how collaborations between councils, businesses, and technology providers like Vodafone are crucial for advancing 5G innovation.
Local businesses are invited to get in touch to signal interest and readiness to participate in the 5G Innovation Region Project in Ayrshire: https://scotland5gcentre.org/expression-of-interest-ayrshire-manufacturing-industries/
The Scotland 5G Centre will lead a Business Challenge Workshop in February to present the barriers, challenges and explore potential solutions with the help of these businesses’ insights.
Councillor Marie Burns, Leader of North Ayrshire Council and chair of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee, said: “When we launched our Ayrshire Regional Strategy last year, the digital economy was at the very forefront of our plans so becoming a ‘5G Innovation Region’ underlines our ambitions to make Ayrshire a centre of digital excellence.
“As one of the UK’s ten 5G Innovation Regions, our work has garnered recognition from the UK and Scottish governments, establishing us as a leader in 5G and advanced wireless technology.
“We are now moving forward with our plans and there are some exciting times ahead.
“We have been working collaboratively with partners for a number of years and we are determined to make Ayrshire a leader of 5G innovation in manufacturing.
“A huge thanks to all the businesses who attended and who share our excitement for the digital journey we are on
“This initiative will bring startups, industry, and academia together with sustainability and Net Zero at its core.”
University of the West of Scotland Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller said: “As a placemaking university with a firm commitment to our communities, the University of the West of Scotland is looking forward to continuing our role in aligning regional economic partnerships with innovation, resulting in big wins, economically and socially for Ayrshire”
The Scotland 5G Centre opened their Innovation Hub at HALO Kilmarnock in March 2022.
Ian Sharp, Head of Strategy and Delivery at The Scotland 5G Centre said: “It’s fantastic to see the work taking place in Ayrshire as the region seeks to maximise the benefits of 5G technology, after being awarded with the 5G Innovation region funding.
“There’s a huge amount of potential in this technology and it can benefit businesses of all types and sizes, from family-run food businesses all the way through to large scale manufacturing. We’re keen to speak to and support any businesses currently looking to explore the possibilities of 5G connectivity and would encourage them to get in touch with us with any questions they might have.”
Webinar announcement: “Smart City Technologies: LiDAR on the Tay Bridge” – 28 February 2024
Published: 1st February 2024
Join us on 28 February 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, for an insightful webinar titled “Smart City Technologies: LiDAR on the Tay Bridge,” brought to you by a unique partnership between LiDAR specialist Digiflec and the Scotland 5G Centre. This event is a key opportunity for professionals from local authorities, transport infrastructure, consultancies, and logistics sectors to explore how this collaboration is revolutionising traffic monitoring in Scotland and setting new standards globally.
The webinar will delve into the innovative use of LiDAR technology and 5G in transforming urban traffic monitoring. A highlight of this event is the collaborative project between Dundee City, Digiflec, and the Scotland 5G Centre, which has led to significant advancements in Dundee’s journey towards becoming a smart city. The focus will be on the application of Digiflec’s Connected Intelligent Infrastructure Monitoring (CiiM) system in traffic and pedestrian movement monitoring. This project has been possible thanks to the Tay5G Innovation Challenge fund, where Digiflec was one of the awarded organisations.
A significant part of the discussion will be centred around the Tay Road Bridge project, initiated in September 2023. This initiative is a prime example of how LiDAR technology, combined with 5G connectivity, can enhance traffic management and emergency response capabilities by creating a real-time digital replica of the environment.
Expert insights and learning opportunities
The webinar will feature insights from a panel of experts, including Julie Craik from Dundee City Council, Steven Gillan and Andre Tapadinhas from Digiflec, Jack Waland from the Scotland 5G Centre, and Alan Hutchison from the Tay Road Bridge. They will share valuable data and visuals from the Tay Bridge project, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the technology’s impact and potential.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the Tay Road Bridge Tay5G project, understand the unique characteristics of LiDAR and 5G in infrastructure planning, and explore potential future applications of these technologies.
The event is especially relevant for professionals in roads and transport teams, economic development, waste operations, planning, policy departments, transport infrastructure organisations, consultancies, and logistics companies. Those interested in the latest advancements in smart city technologies and how they can be applied to urban infrastructure and management are encouraged to register for this enlightening webinar.
Event registration
For more details and registration information, please visit: https://events.humanitix.com/smart-city-technologies-lidar-on-the-tay-road-bridge
5G Unwrapped: For Food, Drink & Agriculture Businesses
Published: 1st February 2024
Earlier this week, The Scotland 5G Centre hosted ‘5G Unwrapped: For Food, Drink & Agriculture Businesses’, with Opportunity North East (ONE) at the S5GC hub in Aberdeen.
There were over 50 attendees representing the farming and food and drink industries with presentations from Sarah Morgan, ONE; Phil Ladyman, The Scotland 5G Centre and Andrew Christie, James Hutton Institute followed by a Q&A Panel Session with representatives from IFB, Ericsson and Herd Advance.
Highlighting the critical role of connectivity for businesses, the event showcased the power of 5G specifically and how it can enable:
– Reliable connectivity, no more buffering or lag
– Remote monitor equipment and reduce machinery maintenance
– Reduce costs, maximise productivity and improve margins
– Implement innovative technical solutions for your business
– More flexibility, you could have your own private secure network
Last year, The Scotland 5G Centre commissioned Jacobs to explore the potential use of 5G within the Food & Drinks Industry, particularly looking at the opportunities for 5G technology within whisky distilleries across 4 themes: Health and Safety, Cask Management, Site Management & Maintenance and Security. Find out more here by downloading the report: https://scotland5gcentre.org/5g-whisky-distillery-report/
The Scotland 5G Centre’s Innovation hubs offer organisations access to cutting edge 5G mobile private networks and an opportunity to work with experts to explore tailored solutions. Find out more here: https://scotland5gcentre.org/servicesandfacilities/ and if interested on seeing how The Scotland 5G Centre can support your organisation fill out this short Expression of Interest: https://scotland5gcentre.org/expression-of-interest/
The S5GC Slides are available here: https://scotland5gcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/S5GC-ppt-ONE-event-Final-Version-To-Attendees.pdf
Sign up to the S5GC newsletter to stay up to date with the next events and latest news here: https://share.hsforms.com/1fgiyjY0WQpSK_gk9IAqncg425qz
5G Innovation Region Event: Ayrshire
Published: 1st February 2024
Last week, The Scotland 5G Centre hosted a launch event for the 5G Innovation Regions Project at HALO in Kilmarnock with the Ayrshire Councils, University of the West of Scotland, Ayrshire College, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland & Vodafone.
Ayrshire is just one of two areas in Scotland to be successful in the bidding process and the team are using the funding received to build on technologies at three of the key strategic Ayrshire Growth Deal sites with The Scotland 5G Centre Innovation hub in HALO Kilmarnock serving as the catalyst for 5G innovation where testing can happen in a 5G private network environment. The three sites are:
- Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) at i3 Enterprise Area in Irvine
- Aerospace Innovation Hub, Prestwick International Aerospace Park
- Ayrshire Innovation Park, Moorfield, Kilmarnock
The launch event attracted over 60 regional organisations (from aerospace to manufacturing) as well as a number of public organisations with presentations on the services the Scotland 5G Centre offer to regional businesses, 5G use cases, the 5GIR bid vision and Private Networks, and breakout groups to explore the key challenges businesses are facing and how 5G could help.
This collaborative initiative is ultimately exploring the potential of 5G for Ayrshire and how advanced wireless technologies can improve connectivity and boost productivity for businesses in the region.
Ayrshire businesses can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to signal interest and readiness to participate in the 5G Innovation Region Project in Ayrshire here: https://ow.ly/2XgR50QuSll
The key purposes of this EOI include
- Interest and Commitment
- Understanding and Addressing Challenges
- Evaluating Potential Partners and Stakeholders
- Informing the 5G Use Cases used for demo centres
- Laying the Groundwork for the 5G Innovation Region
The EOI is a tool for the 5GIR working group to assess the opportunities and challenges in Ayrshire’s businesses and will be followed by an in person Challenge Workshop to address some of them (date tbc).
Find out more about the Innovation Regions Project here: https://scotland5gcentre.org/major-tech-boost-as-ayrshire-named-innovation-region/
Ayrshire’s 5G Vision Comes Alive: Exciting Engagement at the Innovation Region Event
Published: 5th February 2024