With an intent to help customers automate production, IBM and Samsung Electronics have signed a deal to integrate ‘edge computing' with private 5G networks.

‘Edge computing' uses augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML) to analyse bulk data where it was gathered – whether factory floor, oil rig or office space – before shifting it to remote servers in the “cloud.” Besides, it requires fast data transfers of the type that 5G signals provide in order to work.

Reuters quoted Taher Behbehani, a general manager at Samsung Electronics America, as saying that the notion of being capable to connect with the edge and run fast processing applications for enterprises makes sense, specifically when it's real-time or semi-real-time.

Earlier, Verizon signed deals with Microsoft and Nokia trying to exploit the expected rise in demand from businesses who are willing to use new tools as 5G becomes ever-present.

Enclosing several bands on the 5G spectrum, Samsung's 5G equipment will work with IBM's cloud technologies, including its edge platform, integration services and Artificial Intelligence (AI) products.

According to Steve Canepa, IBM's general manager for communications business, this collaboration would help businesses to integrate their data with different advanced applications.

Last month, IBM had launched a cloud platform that was directed at telecom operators deploying 5G built using technology from its software firm Red Hat. It has signed up 35 partners including network equipment suppliers and software vendors – among them Samsung and Nokia – to build an ecosystem.