With the growing availability of 5G internet, industry is starting to explore the benefits as well. A well known emerging technology in industry is augmented reality (AR). AR visually adds digital information or content to the device user’s real time environment. In industrial applications, this can be used for displaying machine operating instructions, for example for remote assistance, trainings, or employee onboarding. In order to do so, a smart device and a stable data communication mean are required. 

To explore the advantages and disadvantages of using 5G in augmented reality applications, the 5GXR project consortium was formed. The AMP subsidised project is conducted by Total Reality and the FIP-AM@UT. The Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente (FIP-AM@UT) is an innovation centre that supports manufacturers in achieving ambitious goals. FIP-AM@UT is committed to developing the manufacturing industry for the benefit of our society. Through applied research, technical advice and project development, they strive to develop the technical capabilities and competences needed to shape the future of manufacturing.

The 5GXR project is initiated to assess the usability of 5G as a communication backbone for a real-time XR use case in a manufacturing scenario. The use case will concern step-by-step work instructions in XR via a tablet, as a technology demonstrator for the combination of 5G and XR. The results will be validated, to create an application which could be showcased to other manufacturing companies.