Hyper-Connecting the Worker Experience Through Mobile Technology

Since the first generation of mobile networks began to emerge four decades ago, digital technologies have revolutionized user capabilities through ever expanding coverage, rates of data transfer, latency, connectivity on a massive scale, and improved wireless imaging and sensing. The next decade will see exponential change as the worker experience is unified across physical, digital, and biological worlds.

6G
Internet of AI

Less than a millisecond of response time

AI will drive billions of IoT devices

Fully ambient interfaces

Quantum computing becomes common

100x faster than 5G. Facilitates "thinking" machines communicating directly with other machines, instantaneous downloads of big data.

2030

Shorter wavelengths will mean centimeter-level accuracy
(e.g., workers will be able to locate and examine any object on the planet at data transfer rates up to 100x faster than 5G).

Digital twins will facilitate remote training and maintenance
(e.g., virtually replicating physical entities such as people, devices, systems, and even places)

Intelligent machines will interface with other intelligent machines
(e.g., machine vision will far surpass human capabilities, resulting in faster diagnosis and remediation of complex problems)

Fully immersive XR will become commonplace
(e.g., ambient interfaces for maintenance and guidance in areas such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing).

5G
Massive IoT

Frequency of 30-300 GHZ means huge data downloads

All devices connected to one network (IoT)

Transportation, healthcare logistics, and retail are connected

Human-machine work is co-mingled

Videoconferencing, immersive learning via virtual and augmented reality, massive expansion of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates the future of work.

2020

Enhanced collaboration for remote teams
(e.g., real-time 3D holograms on a digital whiteboard)

Automated inventory control
(e.g., shelf sensors use the high speed network to immediately trigger online reorders when stock is low)

Streaming virtual and augmented reality apps for training
(e.g., real-time guided instructions on machine repairs)

Exponential increase in connected devices
(e.g., 125 billion IoT devices capable of communicating real-time data)

Amplified videoconferencing capabilities
(e.g., meetings may include 3D Holographic images, avatars, and advanced AR/VR technologies)

Expanded recruitment areas
(e.g., highly qualified global labor pool with enhanced remote working capabilities)

Enhanced machine learning and robotic capabilities
(e.g., self-driving cars utilizing the 5G network for real time updates on traffic conditions)

4G
Internet of Apps

Remote working became viable with far higher speeds and greater bandwidth

2010

Up to 10 times faster than 3G

Mobile web access

High-definition mobile TV

Data rates as high as 1 gigabit per second

3G
Mobile Internet

Business adoption escalated with the creation of the Blackberry. Now workers could be contacted 24/7 on multimedia channels.

  2000

Mobile exceeds landline users

Apple iPhone changes the UX

Web browsing and video calls

Multiple users on one frequency

To this day, remains the largest global mobile network

2G
Cellular/SMS

The advent of digital phones and more widespread coverage meant that sound quality improved and business adoption flourished.

1991

Digital

Send and receive SMS (1996)

Global System for Mobile (GSM)

Camera phone/emojis (2000)

Cheaper, lighter, smaller

1G
Voice Calling

First adopters used analog phones with poor audio quality and very limited coverage.

 1979

Analog

Limited signal

Poor sound

Expensive ($4,000)

Heavy (6 lbs.)