Have you heard of Industry 4.0? Yes! No! Maybe! Well, if you are in the manufacturing sector, then you may know about the 4th revolution in the industrial sector. This term refers to the development of manufacturing processes and chain production. The 4.0 is the evolution of the fourth phase that grew popular in 2011 as, “Industrie 4.0” by German representatives from diverse fields of business, politics, and academics.
The fourth industrial revolution is already bringing transformation in manufacturing industries pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. Now this transformation is bridging the technological gap between the haves and have-nots. Unfortunately, even after two years of covid-19, the global market is encountering pressure in manufacturing which is just the ripple effect of the crisis.
Four pillars of Industry 4.0
- Connectivity, Data Transfer, and Computation: The use of sensors to open a door in a commercial space is a simple example of 4.0. From the smallest devices that use the internet of things to massive technological advances dependent on the IoT are creating a revolution in manufacturing units. Cloud technology is bringing immense changes to the way you store, communicate, connect, transfer data, and compute. Not to forget that Blockchain is another breakthrough in the production industry.
- AI, Analytics, and Machine Intelligence: The human IQ multiplies when it collaborates with the machine IQ. It is a simple approach that when you amalgamate Artificial intelligence with computer technology, the results are remarkable. The gathered data continuously undergoes customized analytics to offer better customer search results. A simple example is your online search. If you have a habit of looking for routes or local produce, then all your news bytes, social media posts, and online search links will be directed in the same genre. The machine captures the taste of individuals and delivers the same in-sync to give you a better user experience every time.
- Human-Computer Connection: Use of machines in virtual and augmented reality is one of the best industrial revolution results. When robotics started replacing the production processes, it improved manufacturing by 10X folds. Human efforts reduce, and you get premium quality products. The possibility of human errors reduces by 95% as the automation of machines and the gap between human-machine improves efficiency.
- Advanced Engineering: The inclusion of additive manufacturing viz. 3D and 4D printing support the engineers in making quick designs and starting production. It reduces the time lag between drafts and prototypes and moves into actual manufacturing. The trending nanotechnology may not impress everyone at stage one. But, the use of nanoparticles is one of the breakthroughs in boosting the industrial revolution.
The wrap
The combination of all four foundation pillars helps turn artificial intelligence into thorough analytics that ultimately converts into flexible, responsive operations. The manufacturing sector would soon move towards the fifth revolution, and this is the completion phase of 4.0. Taking a sneak peek into 5.0 means providing solutions for climate change, working towards sustainability, and reserving resources. Small, medium and large businesses are working towards Net-Zero which means zero carbon emission by 2050.