Bologna, March 26, 2025 – The potential of 5G technology to revolutionize the manufacturing sector was a focal point at the "5G Industrial Experience Hub" conference held in Bologna. Organized by TIM Enterprise in collaboration with BI-REX and Qualcomm, the event highlighted how private 5G networks can significantly enhance operational efficiency and spur innovation across various industries.
According to a comprehensive report titled "Il 5G per una industria moderna e sostenibile," produced by Centro Studi TIM in partnership with NetConsulting and BI-REX, investments in private 5G networks can improve the operational efficiency of Italian manufacturing companies by up to 30%. Furthermore, these investments are projected to yield a return on investment (ROI) exceeding 100% within five years.
Antonio Morabito, Head of Business Development and Marketing at TIM Enterprise, emphasized the transformative power of 5G, stating, "5G is a key accelerator for innovation in the manufacturing industry. Integrated with technologies like IoT, AI, Cloud, Edge Computing, and Cybersecurity, it enables advanced use cases such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and collaborative robotics, turning plants into truly digital factories that are more efficient and sustainable."
The report also forecasts that between 2025 and 2030, the widespread adoption of 5G in the Italian manufacturing sector could generate a direct economic benefit estimated at between €3.7 billion and €4.3 billion annually, culminating in a cumulative value of over €24 billion during that period. When considering the indirect contributions from other digital technologies, the total benefit could reach as high as €61 billion by 2030.
Stefano Cattorini, General Manager of BI-REX, described 5G as a formidable driver of development for the entire national industrial fabric. He stated, "Our Competence Center is capable of providing companies with the technological know-how essential for stimulating innovation processes." Cattorini also noted that the adoption of 5G could significantly reduce industrial waste disposal costs by over €450 million and cut manufacturing emissions by more than 33 million tons of CO2 equivalents.
During the conference, attendees were treated to demonstrations of practical applications of 5G technology. Susanna Jean, responsible for 5G, Verticals & IoT at TIM Enterprise, showcased use cases that included a robot dog returning misplaced screwdrivers and real-time guidance for a 3D printer, both leveraging the low-latency and high-precision capabilities of 5G technology. These innovations aim to minimize downtime and enhance productivity in manufacturing environments.
Additionally, the partnership between TIM and Ducati was highlighted with the introduction of the NTB-01 robot, developed by Ducati Corse and Lenovo. This robot utilizes 5G technology to analyze and map race circuits, providing live data transmission that can enhance performance on the track.
As the event unfolded, various industry leaders shared insights on the impact of 5G. Giancarlo Capitani, President of NetConsulting, and Andrea Mueller, Head of Communication Technologies at Bosch, were among the speakers who underscored the importance of embracing this technology to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Moreover, the conference served as a platform to discuss the integration of 5G with other cutting-edge technologies, which can amplify its benefits. The report indicates that when combined with advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, 5G can create innovative services for the manufacturing sector that connect industrial machines, robots, and sensors.
One of the standout examples presented was the "TIM Multi Robot Orchestrator," a software platform designed to manage various types of robots, including ground robots and drones. This platform integrates cloud services for video flow analysis with artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics, enhancing performance and safety in logistics and production sectors.
Furthermore, TIM Enterprise's Extended Reality solutions were showcased, designed to optimize business operations. Technicians can access augmented reality information directly from their smartphones, receiving interactive and contextualized instructions that improve intervention effectiveness and significantly reduce machine downtime.
With virtual reality headsets, it is also possible to simulate operational scenarios in an immersive environment, providing a more engaging and effective learning experience that directly impacts the optimization of training processes.
In summary, the "5G Industrial Experience Hub" highlighted the critical role of 5G technology in driving innovation within the manufacturing sector. As companies look to enhance their productivity and sustainability, the integration of 5G with existing technologies will be pivotal in shaping the future of industrial operations.
As the conference concluded, the consensus among industry experts was clear: the adoption of private 5G networks is not just a technological upgrade but a necessary step towards a more competitive and sustainable manufacturing landscape in Italy.
