Page 40 - SAMENA Trends - October 2019

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

BT Brings 5G Future to Belfast Harbor with “Live” Demonstrations of
Augmented and Virtual Reality

Belfast Harbor, BT and mixed reality health and safety is essential, and built to the customer, letting them experience the
partners Ubimax and VRtuoso showcased work with personal protective equipment environment and services in a much more
the tangible benefits that 5G can deliver such as hard hats. EE, part of BT Group, captivating and immediate way. They
to business and industry across the UK. was the first operator to launch a 5G can also be a powerful training tool - an
In a first for the UK, the demonstrations, network in the UK, with Belfast one of six immersive 360-degree experience makes
performed “live” over BT’s public 5G cities chosen for phase one of the roll the brain feel like the user has experienced
network, show two 5G enabled applications out. The potential industry and business a situation, creating a memory that leads to
that are being explored by Belfast Harbor benefits of 5G enabled applications like higher levels of engagement and retention.
as part of their vision for creating a “Smart this are vast, from improved operational Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT’s Enterprise
Port” and an iconic waterfront for the City. efficiency and productivity, to fast and unit, said: “We’re delighted to be working
The first demonstration shows a member of reliable knowledge transfer and higher with Belfast Harbor, Ubimax and VRtuoso
Belfast Harbor’s operations team wearing employee satisfaction and engagement. to explore the benefits that 5G can bring
an augmented reality headset connected to The second demonstration shows a 5G to the Port and to the City of Belfast. “Over
a 5G device. They’ll be seen inspecting one immersive experience, illustrating how 5G the next 15 years, 5G technologies are
of the Harbor’s cranes and receiving step- can make virtual reality “boundary-less” expected to contribute 2.2 trillion dollars
by-step maintenance guidance and remote by allowing geographically dispersed to the global economy. It will deliver far
support through video collaboration with a participants to draw virtual reality content more than enhanced mobile broadband
remote expert, via an application server in down from the cloud. Participants can services for consumers and will have a
the cloud. 5G provides the ultrafast speeds then be connected into the same real- far bigger impact in the enterprise space,
and reliability needed, while augmented time, virtual presentation or training event. by transforming entire industries. But 5G
reality solution specialists Ubimax provide Content creation and event sessions can’t be viewed in isolation. It needs to
the software for the headsets. These are managed using the simple to use be considered as a vital component of a
computing devices can easily be worn VR solution from VRtuoso. Only 5G can brand-new digital ecosystem comprising
by any operational staff working out in provide the connectivity needed for the the Internet of Things, data analytics, AI,
the Port. The demonstration shows how content download and real time event mobile edge computing, content and cloud
maintenance activities can be simplified interaction. Immersive experiences have infrastructure. “The demonstrations we’ve
and improved, by delivering information the potential to transform marketing and shown today are a powerful illustration of
directly to staff when and where they need training activities. They enable companies what 5G can do for business, both here
it. The hands-free headsets are particularly like Belfast Harbour, with large fixed in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
suitable in hazardous environments, where infrastructures, to take the Harbour to They’ve shown that 5G will be the catalyst
for a revolution in how technology supports
people, enables workplaces and simplifies
operations.” Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive
of Belfast Harbor added: “Working with
BT on this initiative has opened our eyes
to a whole new world of 5G possibilities.
We have a strong ambition and motivation
to become the world’s best regional port
and create an iconic waterfront district for
Belfast, making it an attractive place to
live, work, visit and invest in. Using the very
latest technologies and collaborating with
expert partners is a key part of how we will
deliver that vision for Belfast. What we’ve
seen so far has given us a real appetite
to continue exploring how 5G enabled
applications will help us transform the Port
and Belfast’s waterfront, boost trade and
make an even more significant contribution
to Northern Ireland’s economy.”

40 OCTOBER 2019