According to industry experts, 5G – the 5th generation of mobile communications technology – will lay the technological foundation for countless new IoT developments and their seamless connectivity with mobility, logistics, energy and communications services of all kinds.
A number of future scenarios could theoretically be realised using current network technology. But 5G is going to significantly expand this potential, allowing billions of machines to be connected to the Internet – a connectivity which is a necessary precondition for the concrete implementation of concepts and business models that rely heavily on the Internet of Things.
Top decision-makers from the research, industrial and retailing communities will during the upcoming CeBIT 2017, to discuss the limitless opportunities of real-time connectivity.
According to CeBIT organisers, Telefónica Germany for example will be appearing in Hall 12 with its “360° Networking World” showcase, featuring developments like the “FeedbackNow” real-time feedback system consisting of a Smiley box and the GTX SmartSole – a shoe sole with a tracking function which, thanks to integrated Global SIM, can be used worldwide. Other exhibitors, such as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Huawei will also be highlighting 5G technology. Further impressive use cases for trailblazing mobile communications concepts can be seen at the “Internet of Things” and “Communication and Networks” display sectors in Hall 12 as well as the “Unmanned Systems and Solutions” display sector in Hall 17, where everything will revolve around the booming drone business. No other event covers digitalization from the standpoint of technology and hot topics as broadly and as thoroughly as CeBIT Hannover.
Autonomous vehicles are among the markets which will depend on fast real-time data from the 5G network. In the opinion of Dr. Wolfgang Bernhart, automotive partner at Roland Berger business consultants, robot taxis will be part of the urban landscape in many big cities ten years from now. If this sounds like science fiction to anyone, they can see it in live operation for themselves at CeBIT, where the Swiss Post Office will be demonstrating its SmartShuttle driverless bus, which is already part of the local mass transit system in the Swiss canton of Valais. At CeBIT 2017 the SmartShuttle bus will link the West entrance with Hall 12.
CeBIT is the world’s foremost event devoted to the digitalisation of business, public administration and society. Staged annually in Hannover, Germany, the event attracts more than 3,000 exhibiting companies and around 200,000 visitors. CeBIT features the hottest new technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, virtual and augmented reality, humanoid robots and drones. And with the lead theme at CeBIT 2017 being “d!conomy – no limits”, the spotlight will be placed squarely on the opportunities opened up by digital transformation. Thanks to its combination of trade fair, conference and networking hub, CeBIT has become a must for representatives from the entire digital industry. The international startup community is also strongly represented at CeBIT: In the SCALE 11 display sector, more than 400 start-ups will showcase their ideas and plans. CeBIT 2017 runs from 20th to 24th March, with Japan as the official Partner Country.
