6G Enabled Industrial Internet of Everything: Towards a Theoretical Framework

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is an interesting topic. In authors' words, the objective of the study is:

Objective:

Even though there is 6G enthusiasm, the basic architectural and performance components of the 6G mobile system remain largely undefined. Hence, one of the objectives of this study is to outline a novel holistic, efficacious cogent vision that construe the conception of a 6G enabling IIoE system.

 

The problem statement is:

Problem statement:

There has been scattering of theories proposed and developed in IoT domain. Our exhaustive literature review demonstrates that theoretical framework on the 6GIIoE system approbation and execution is non-existent in the literature.

Confirming the lack of research publications on theory advancement in IS discipline related to 6G and IIoE, an extensive review of literature produced no research papers that deals with 6GIIoE theoretical framework in a multi-dimensional value co-creation approach.

And the contribution is:

Contribution:

A comprehensive contribution of our research work is the creation of a novel theoretical framework on the 6GIIoE system approbation and execution which is non-existent in the literature.

So, the study is focused on Industrial IoE and the future enabling of it by 6G. Please find my comments below:

In Section I, (and in other sections) the acronyms are defined over and over. IoE was defined in line 36 and again in line 4. Many more of these re-definitions are in the other sections.

Line 43 - censors -> sensors
In general, I consider that Section I meets it purpose of explaining the background of the topic.

In Section II, the numbering of the section is wrong. This is, in line 121 it should be 2 instead of 1. 

In sub-section 2.2, based on the explanation provided by the authors, it is not clear to me (or confusing) the relationship between the 6GIIoE topic, the IS discipline, and the theoretical framework. Paragraph in line 179 was part of the confusion as it is not clear.

In sub-section 2.2.2, paragraph in line 194 is somewhat confusing. Please fix it.
What is the difference between the term CIIW (Connected Intelligent Industrial World) versus terms available in Industry 4.0 such as Smart X? For instance, CIC vs Smart city?

In Section III, sub-section numbering is wrong (3.1.6 -> 3.1). Again, in this section, some acronyms are re-defined again. 

In this sub-section (3.1), the literature review is mentioned again, should it be placed in Section 2 to be consistent?

The first part of the 3.1 sub-section explains the 6GIIoE foundations and how it is comprised of four pillars (data, things, people, process). I would expect this section to  further explore the theoretical foundations of it in words of the authors, however I still see a review of existing literature here and no more explanation of potential industrial applications that can be served by 6G. At least, it is not clear to me.

Section IV figures need to be improved, not in terms of content but how they are placed in the document.

This section gives more idea of what the challenges of 6G are. In my opinion, Section III should provide enough background of such challenges (Fig. 1b) to clearly see in Section IV how they will become research opportunities based on the methodology proposed by the authors.

Section V numbering is wrong:
5.6. GIIoE System Paradigm -> italics and numbering format, 5. 6GIIoE
5.1.6. G Connectivity Vision -> 5.1

More of these in the following sub-section numbering.

Same comment regarding figures as in previous section.

In figure 2, how is deep, holographic defined and correlated with table 2?

Line 332: Table 2 to be changed to Table 3.

Line 339: "Example: the cities are poised to become the “connected intelligent cities (CIC)” utilizing IoE along with ‘Massive Data’ processing. In the future, CIC may be regarded as scaled version of the IIoE to benefit to address city specific concerns such as emergency services, traffic flow control, monitoring the highways, repairing roads using embedded sensors, and healthcare."
To me, this is also the definition of Smart city. What would be the difference with respect to IIoE? Based on this example, it is hard to me to tell the difference.

Again, acronyms are defined again (line 354- IIoE, line 358-IoE, etc.).

Paragraph in line 357 is not clear to me: "The enveloping of people, processes, data, and things by Internet of Everything (IoE) is at the heart of Internet of Everything and creates the ‘value’ ." It seems incomplete.

Repeated word in Line 365: "A study by CISCO study "

In Section VI, same comment regarding figure's format.

Remaining sections starts with a wrong section numbering.

In line 898, it is not clear why logging temperature will improve I/O connectivity.

Final comments:

The objective to "outline a novel holistic, efficacious cogent vision that construe the conception of a 6G enabling IIoE system" seems to be achieved by the proposed theoretical framework. Some changes in sections 2-3-4 can be implemented to improve the manuscript and make it clear for the reader.

 

Author Response

"Please see the attachment" for the revised version of the manuscript (line numbers are different due to added content).

Point by point response is given below:

1. In Section I, (and in other sections) the acronyms are defined over and over. IoE was defined in line 36 and again in line 4. Many more of these re-definitions are in the other sections.

Acronyms are corrected throughout the article.

Acronyms issues throughout the article are corrected.

2. Line 43 - censors -> sensors – Corrected.
3. In Section II, the numbering of the section is wrong. This is, in line 121 it should be 2 instead of 1. 

The section and subsection numbering issues are corrected.

4. In sub-section 2.2, based on the explanation provided by the authors, it is not clear to me (or confusing) the relationship between the 6GIIoE topic, the IS discipline, and the theoretical framework. Paragraph in line 179 was part of the confusion as it is not clear.

 The rationale behind the outlining the above-mentioned paragraph with relevant citation is as follows:

 Information communication technologies (ICT) and operational technologies (OT) are an integral part of the IS discipline. Furthermore, the following are the  minimum information system (IS) technology components: (i) computer hardware- physical equipment used for input, output, and processing, (ii) Computer software-the programs/ application program used to control and coordinate the hardware components, (iii) databases , (iv) networks and communications technologies. Additionally, IoE includes myriad of ICT, OT, and other relevant technologies.

The IS community of researchers and practitioners does not even share a common definition of the term 'information system (IS) and does not have an appropriate influential theory to comprehend information handling activities in human structures. To date, the IS discipline is not well understood by academia, particularly when the ICT and OT domains have evolved over the last 6 decades.

Theory development is the “ nugget of knowledge” and scholarly compass. There is prevailing concern that the information systems (IS) discipline on developing theories does not exist relevant to the discipline that deals with  6G and IIoE system, relevant operating system (OS) software solutions, vast applications, and relevant topics namely philosophy, anthropology, socioeconomic, psychology and ethical dimensions associated with the technologies mentioned above. Furthermore, the development of new theories and the depuration of prevailing theories have been relatively ignored within the IS field. Even with the recognition of the need for theory development, there is limited discussion in information system (IS) colloquiums of what theory means in IS and what form of contributions to knowledge it imparts.

Based on the contents mentioned in the section 1.2,  The following scholars’ point of view on the IS discipline are as follows: (i) Swanson[32]  (p. 6) concludes that current theories describe little about IS innovation, (ii) Avgerou [32]  (p.2) contends that information system is a relatively unexplored subject, and (iii) Fichman [32]  (p. 6) explains signs of exhaustion in the current research.

 

Considering the above, three scholars (Swanson, Avgerou and Fichman) views have been outlined to validate our perspective. Thus, the confirmation of our validity is described with various relevant citations in a concise and gist manner.

The content is revised for clarity.

5. In sub-section 2.2.2, paragraph in line 194 is somewhat confusing. Please fix it.
   What is the difference between the term CIIW (Connected Intelligent Industrial World) versus terms available in Industry 4.0 such as Smart X? For instance, CIC vs Smart city?

Line 194 is appropriately corrected and revised.

Rationale:  The term CIIW, coined by the authors, provides 6G vision connectivity in the form of ubiquity (omnipresence), deep , intelligent,  and holographic. In our view CIIW is emerging for Industry 5.0 and different than Industry 4.0 (Smart X). May I also reinforce that 6G provides new services (deep, ubiquitous, holographic, intelligent – as outlined in the section V- 6GIIOE paradigm) with faster speed, extreme low latency and massive network capacity compared to 5G. It is significant to point out that CIIW fundamentally different that just SmartX, the concept outlined for the first time in this study, is driven by 6G enabled IIoE to bestow “ digitization towards personalization” in the emerging fifth industrial revolution (Industry 5.0).

6. In Section III, sub-section numbering is wrong (3.1.6 -> 3.1). Again, in this section, some acronyms are re-defined again. 

Numbering and Acronyms are fixed (Corrected).

7. In this sub-section (3.1), the literature review is mentioned again, should it be placed in Section 2 to be consistent?

As per the suggestion the section 3.1 (related to the literature review) is placed in the section 2 (Literature Review & Synthesis)

8. The first part of the 3.1 sub-section explains the 6GIIoE foundations and how it is comprised of four pillars (data, things, people, process). I would expect this section to  further explore the theoretical foundations of it in words of the authors, however I still see a review of existing literature here and no more explanation of potential industrial applications that can be served by 6G. At least, it is not clear to me.

Four Pillars of IOE ( as outlined below)- subsection 3.1.1 is added to explain 6GIIoE foundations and how it is comprised of four pillars.

                 Currently, IIoT and 5G have started their honeymoon and growing stronger and shinier for applications such as remote surgery, smart factories, and unmanned vehicles. Starting 2030, the 6G’s requirements will redefine the mobile system architecture. 6G will empower Use Cases and will be carved to make real the future technological breakthroughs redefining the business models around data consumption because it will be not just a physical standard but also a virtual one providing new opportunities for innovative networks services. In the quest to metamorphose industries for the digital era, IoE is one of the most significant components of information communication technology (ICT) foundation. Distinguishing that connectivity is the foundation, although a great first step, is no longer adequate.                

                     IoE is the intelligent connection of people, process, data, and things where billions of objects to detect capacity and appraise their standing using various protocols. The IoE concept comprises of communication between machine to machine (M2M) communications, machine-to-people (M2P),  and people to people (P2P) interactions. IoE is also regarding all the information collected from the four primary pillars  mentioned above.

                    Without “people”, everything else would be pointless. And “ people” themselves become the nodes on the Internet. “People”, in the IoE,  are to connect to the Internet in numerous ways through myriad of devices. The evolution of Internet toward the IoE, everyone will be connected in relevant ways.      

                 In the connected world of IoE, “process” plays a key role in how each of these pillars — people, data, and things — interact with each other to deliver value. With the exact process, connectivity become accordant and value is added due to the precise information is delivered to the right person at the right time in the appropriate manner.

                “Data” to be created , stored, then transmitted from one place to another and will continue to be at the epicenter of internet paradigm. Currently, the number of new things connected to the Internet exceeds the number of new users connected to the Internet. Hence, we contend that the third generation “Internet for the people” became the fourth generation “Internet about things for the benefit of the people.” The Internet of Thing is a vital pillar of the IoE. “Data” is still the foundation.

                “Things” are composed of physical items like devices, sensors, and machines that are connected to each other and to the Internet. “Things” sense data evolve into context-aware and bestow information to help machines and people in the IoE endowing relevant valuable decisions.        

               In summary, we have articulated about how the four pillars of IoE foster innovation in the new technology. As the internet progresses toward IoE, we will be connected in valuable ways. Finally, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity in dissimulation. Very often, huge opportunities emerge inscribing from colossal challenges. IoE will change industries and our daily lives. When the history of IoE is penned, its success or lack of success will be obstinate by : what is the benediction of IoE to humanity?

9. Section IV figures need to be improved, not in terms of content but how they are placed in the document. This section gives more idea of what the challenges of 6G are. In my opinion, Section III should provide enough background of such challenges (Fig. 1b) to clearly see in Section IV how they will become research opportunities based on the methodology proposed by the authors.

Challenges are outlined in Section 3 as suggested. The research opportunities based on the methodology is added.

10.Section V numbering is wrong:
5.6. GIIoE System Paradigm -> italics and numbering format, 5. 6GIIoE
5.1.6. G Connectivity Vision -> 5.1

Section and Sub-Section Numbering and Format is corrected.

11. In figure 2, how is deep, holographic defined and correlated with table 2?

 6G mobile systems will evolve:

1. From deep coverage to "Deep connectivity" with the following characteristics : (i) Deep Sensing: Tactile Internet; (ii) Deep Learning/AI, and (iii) Deep Data Mining; Deep Mind: Telepathy, Mind-to-Mind Communication.
2. High fidelity AR/MR/VR will be ubiquitous, and holographic communication and display can also be carried out at anytime and anywhere to enjoy fully immersed holographic interactive experience. This communication vision of called “Holographic connectivity” with the following features : (i) holographic communication, (ii) high fidelity AR/MR/VR, and (iii) AR/MR/ VR with seamless coverage anytime, anywhere.
3. The following are the characteristic of “Ubiquitous Connectivity” : 3dimensional coverage and connection , meaning the connection of anytime and anywhere, including Integration of Space-Air-Ground-Sea communication. Comparing with "Deep Connectivity" and "Ubiquitous Connectivity" versus “Deep Connectivity” the later emphasizes the depth of the connected object, while the former affirm the breadth of the distributed area.
4. "Intelligent Connectivity" is the nucleus of the 6G network, while "Deep Connectivity", "Holographic Connectivity" and "Ubiquitous Connectivity" establish the 6G network trunk.

 

The above four characteristics combined make the future 6G network’s organic "soul".

 

12. Line 332: Table 2 to be changed to Table 3. - Corrected
13. Line 339: "Example: the cities are poised to become the “connected intelligent cities (CIC)” utilizing IoE along with ‘Massive Data’ processing. In the future, CIC may be regarded as scaled version of the IIoE to benefit to address city specific concerns such as emergency services, traffic flow control, monitoring the highways, repairing roads using embedded sensors, and healthcare." To me, this is also the definition of Smart city. What would be the difference with respect to IIoE? Based on this example, it is hard to me to tell the difference.

Example is removed- Line 339 is removed. Please note: The rationale is given in the point#5 mentioned above.

14. Again, acronyms are defined again (line 354- IIoE, line 358-IoE, etc.).—Corrected.
15. Paragraph in line 357 is not clear to me: "The enveloping of people, processes, data, and things by Internet of Everything (IoE) is at the heart of Internet of Everything and creates the ‘value’ ." It seems incomplete. - Corrected
16. Repeated word in Line 365: "A study by CISCO study "- Corrected.
17. In Section VI, same comment regarding figure's format.- Corrected.
18. Remaining sections starts with a wrong section numbering- Corrected.
19. In line 898, it is not clear why logging temperature will improve I/O connectivity.- Removed.
20. Final comments: The objective to "outline a novel holistic, efficacious cogent vision that construe the conception of a 6G enabling IIoE system" seems to be achieved by the proposed theoretical framework. Some changes in sections 2-3-4 can be implemented to improve the manuscript and make it clear for the reader.

Significant improvements are made to the manuscript. 

Thanks for the suggestions, comments, and queries.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

This paper combines and investigates several research aspects, such as sixth-generation (6G) wireless systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Everything (IoE) and Industrial Internet of Everything (IIoE). Moreover, it introduces a theoretical framework for the 6G enabled IIoE, extracting valuable knowledge in this research area. The work is interesting and the proposed methodology is adequately explained. Also, the paper is structured well. It is noteworthy that a 5-layer 6GIIoE modular architecture is also proposed. Finally, based on the finding research gaps and directions for future works are identified.

 

Author Response

"Please see the attachment" for the revised version of the manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Thanks to the authors for addressing the questions/comments.