Industry 4.0: the next stage of automation

The third industrial revolution introduced computers into industrial processes, making them an important tool in manufacturing, logistics and service delivery. Under Industry 4.0, computers will gain greater connectivity, gain greater autonomy, and strive to build more independent and efficient industrial systems.

We are in a new transformation period, which technology experts and economists say may be the next great revolution in human technology, namely Industry 4.0, AI, cloud and Data technology can be used to improve industrial processes through complex applications. First there was the Stone Age, then the Iron Age, and now the Industrial Revolution.

Historians have chosen to define the timeline of human progress through our relationship with tools, and for good reason. Technology has always been the most accurate indicator of human progress, and unlike sociocultural or philosophical indicators, it has always been in the direction of growth.

Every few centuries this progress will reach a critical level and we will experience a revolution that changes not just sectors and industries but society as a whole, what we call the Industrial Revolution —steam, electricity, and then computerized manufacturing.

We are in another transitional period. A revolution so widespread and dramatic that technologists and economists believe it could be the next great revolution in human technology.

What is Industry 4.0?

The third industrial revolution introduced computers into industrial processes, making them an important tool in manufacturing, logistics and service delivery. Under Industry 4.0, computers will gain greater connectivity, gain greater autonomy, and strive to build more independent and efficient industrial systems.

One possible scenario is the integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud architecture, big data and artificial intelligence to build a highly automated "smart factory" that can handle the delivery of products/services from creation to consumers Many aspects. The factories will be run via a computer network that communicates with each other and adjusts production based on highly integrated data metrics. As a result, our production/service delivery processes will become more efficient and less time, labor and resource intensive.

Industry 4.0 was first proposed in Germany and promoted in 2015 by Klaus Schwab, an economist and founder of the World Economic Forum. Since then, it has entered the lexicon of many tech-focused policymakers around the world. Sweden's Produktion2030, Japan's Society5.0 and Italy's Industria4.0 are all examples of Industry 4.0 strategies. In the United States, the Industrial Internet Alliance is working to accelerate the application of IoT in industry.

How do we take advantage of Industry 4.0?

Imagine a factory that automates every aspect of production. Run by autonomous artificial intelligence and using data science-based decision-making, for example, raw materials can be imported, products manufactured and prepared for shipping without human interference. Think about how a “smart factory” works in the real world: Based on data collected from consumer behavior, the factory’s artificial intelligence determines what products consumers are most likely to buy. For example, Amazon uses artificial intelligence on its e-commerce site to help better predict consumer behavior and provide better recommendations for future purchases.

Based on this consumer information, the factory will determine the quantity of raw materials required. Artificial intelligence is already a reality in procurement, and conglomerates such as ExxonMobil are investing heavily to further develop this area.

Production automation has become a reality in many industries, such as the automotive industry. Consumer data can also be used to customize products.

Once the product is manufactured to specifications, AI will prepare it for shipment.

The most critical thing is that almost all of these artificial intelligence technologies can be built and maintained using cloud architecture, greatly reducing physical overhead and making it accessible from anywhere in the world.

End-to-end manufacturing, from application to delivery is entirely handled by the "smart factory".

Naturally, this level of connectivity will come with a greater need for strong cybersecurity. Businesses will have to invest in keeping their cybersecurity up to date and able to deal with cyber threats. Demand drives invention, and the need for greater security will drive cybersecurity innovation across the board.

Today, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data science technologies can make this a reality. The only thing missing is the ability to connect all three areas into an efficient whole. This is where Industry 4.0’s continued advancements in IoT and Internet of Systems (IoS) technologies can play a role in building end-to-end connected networks.

Industry 4.0 is for everyone

This is a simple example of a more complex idea. Artificial intelligence, cloud and data technologies can be used to improve industrial processes, with applications that are far more complex and extend well beyond the manufacturing of consumer goods.

Industrial technology has always enabled businesses to identify and correct flaws in development and delivery processes. With advances in big data and data analytics, we are entering an era where businesses can accurately predict failures and artificial intelligence can take steps to prevent them.

Industry 4.0 also democratizes these technologies and makes them more widely applicable. Today, the cost of high-quality artificial intelligence, cloud servers and complex data analytics has dropped significantly, making it possible for businesses of almost any size to start Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Applying this kind of business intelligence is no longer limited to optimizing the shop floor or production line. It can be used wherever business systems collect performance data from real-world objects, which can help businesses reduce energy costs, enhance safety, improve security, and prevent waste anywhere in the enterprise.

Embrace the future with Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 gives business owners greater control and visibility into every aspect of their operations and enables them to leverage instant data to increase productivity, improve processes and drive increase.

Scaling up to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 technology and take advantage of its countless possibilities takes time. This takes time, significant resources and key talent, as with all dynamic growth. However, if companies take the time to develop a robust strategy and deployment roadmap, companies can begin their Industry 4.0 integration and chart a steady course forward for the future.

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