Simplified Series: Introduction To Industry 4.0
History of Industrial Revolution
First Industrial Revolution- This happened when water and steam power was used to drive mechanical production. The invention of the steam engine and the use of machines enable the production of goods more quickly and changed forever the face of production.
Second Industrial Revolution - The second industrial revolution took place when mass production was enabled by electrical energy. The assembly line is one of the relics of the second industrial revolution.
Third Industrial Revolution heralds into the era of automation through the use of computer and electronics. Production processes where possible were automated thus reducing the demand for labor.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution or simply known as Industry 4.0 is based on the use of cyber physical systems. This topic will be further discussed below.
What is Industry 4.0?
So what exactly is Industry 4.0? As mentioned above Industry 4.0 is based on the use of cyber physical systems but rather than elaborating on this further, it is better for me to discuss some of the components and characteristics of Industry 4.0.
Big Data Analytic
Companies will make use of big data to analyze changes in for example consumer preferences and adjust their product offerings according.
Internet Of Things
Machines used in the production processes are all linked and able to communicate with each other. Real time data is captured. For example if there is a bottleneck in one part of the production process, this information can be relayed to all the other machines involved in the production process.
Autonomous Robots
More and more jobs will be done by machine.
Make no mistake: at some level, every job can (and will be) be done by machines.
It is not a question of if, it is just a question of when.
Shelly Palmer, CEO of the Palmer Group
This sounds very scary. However, on the other hand, new jobs such as apps developer, social media strategist and drone operator which did not exist 10 years ago will be created.
Cloud Computing
The storage and management of data using cloud is another enabler of Industry 4.0 through the integration of compute services with a cloud platform. Cloud platform tools support innovative and disruptive applications.
Cybersecurity
The need for stronger protection for internet based manufacturing becomes even more crucial. Therefore to counteract this higher risk, cybersecurity solutions have to be secure, resilient and fully integrated.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented and virtual reality can be used to create visualization of the entire smart factories. Therefore workers can take virtual tours of the factories even before they are build and thus gain valuable knowledge on the working of the factory.
Additive Manufacturing
The components will be manufactured at much faster speed with more flexibility and precision. This will reduce wastage and enable rapid prototyping. One of the latest innovation is the use of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals
Blockchain
In Industry 4.0, there is a need to move information which was previously stored in centralized repository to distributed ledgers. Blockchain enables the recording and sharing of information among the various stakeholders for example factories, logistics companies, suppliers, retailers and consultants which are involved in the manufacturing process.
What the future holds?
Industry 4.0 is a disruptive force that will impact all facets of business, government and people. Companies will be able to meet specific needs of customers with production mass efficiency resulting in mass customization. Government will be able to deliver faster and smarter services to its citizens. The public at large will be concerned about the loss of jobs and intrusion of their private data. Industry 4.0 will also contribute to new sources of inequalities especially for less developed countries without access to new technology. Industrialized nations will form the new world order.
Sources:
https://www.shellypalmer.com/2017/02/5-jobs-robots-will-take-first
Hey very interesting post you wrote there
Id like to nominate you in a little curation group im in
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Thank you for this outstanding overview of the future/present.
I already work with additive manufacturing in my agorist enterprises. I hope to write a series of articles as time goes on, exploring some of the tools and methods that we've begun using.
😄😇😄
You are most welcome. Since you are already in this field, the information here will be familiar to you. I have created the simplified series to write about concepts in asimple and clear manner.
You're doing a fine job thus far... Steem on! ;)
Thank you for your encouragement.
Great post upped ! Hopefully the future is friendly !! 👍👍👍
I hope so too. There is so much that can be done for mankind with the use of technology.
As long as its used for good !! All to often it is not . 👍
Technology doesn't stop amazing me , I see small robots that people have , I see robots they want to create for use in the army , science is expanding the future and who knows that the future holds in 20 years
Technology is amazing but we must remember that technology is a tool that can be used for both good and evil. I pray that technology will be used to benefit mankind.
I hope so too.. I'm scared
Great summary. I work for metrology company with CAM, CAI. All I hear last year is just industry 4.0, metrology 4.0, automatic quality assurace. It all sounds great with a lot of benefits. But this will not end up well for a people. Technology is surpassing our minds. Mostly companies actually hate its workers seeking operating cost reduction, producing shitty products breaking right after warranty. Wrong way...
Industry 4.0 is just a tool for the companies to improve their production and to be more competitive. At the end of the day, welfare of the workers still have to be looked after. It is sad if the workers are given the lowest priority.
This will be the most fascinating and scary industrial revolution in my opinion :)
True. Technology can be used for good or evil.
Nice post @positivesteem
I follow you and upvote you
Thanks for following me. I am hsppy you enjoy the post. Technology will bring great changes in our lives.
Wow! I didn't even know there was a 4th revolution. I guess I'm behind the times and living in the past. Thanks for the education! I work with high schoolers trying to plan for "beyond" high school. It's good to learn about the industrial side of things to know what career opportunities are or are not stable and available.