The evolution of mobile communications, information technology, connectivity and robotics has revolutionized businesses around the world. The innovation of technologies in the era of the industrial revolution of
industry 4.0
industrial revolution allows to increase productivity, improve product quality and reduce costs. It aims at monitoring and controlling equipment in real time, using sensors at each stage of the production process.
Industry 4.0: definition and origin
Industry 4.0 or the factory of the future represents a new generation of connected intelligent factories, operating with robots. These connect the physical and digital world, where products, machines, employees and suppliers interact.
In 1784, Industry 1.0 developed mechanization, which gave birth to the steam engine. In 1870, Industry 2.0 marked the integration of new energy sources (oil, gas, electricity) and the development of assembly lines and mass production (automobile, airplane, telephone). Industry 3.0 claims digital transformation, circa 1969. It has integrated the use of computers and the Internet to automate and control the production systems of companies.
Today, Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing the way factories operate with the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber Physical Systems(CPS), but also with big data, 3D printing, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. These technologies are evolving towards full interconnection of production centers. This optimizes the decision making, which is quickly operated by the operators of a centralized computer.
What are the key technologies of Industry 4.0?
Here is an overview of the main technologies of theIndustry 4.0 factory of the future:
- IoT: connectivity of devices to the internet via sensors in machines, robots and autonomous equipment. The information flow allows to ensure and readjust the productivity, to detect the needs for equipment maintenance and to improve the production.
- CPS: machines managed by algorithms and other calculations. They are driven by software that controls the physical systems.
- Big data and data analysis: permanent collection of large data. This valuable source of information is analyzed in real time to draw conclusions and increase the efficiency of activities or create new ones.
To conclude, 4.0 applications vary according to the needs of the company (costs, complexity). Industry of the future 4.0 has many benefits such as saving time, reducing errors and monitoring equipment to optimize production in real time. Industry 4.0 technologies are coming together to create connected factories that allow machines to communicate and make decisions autonomously. This greatly improves the efficiency and flexibility of the processes. In addition, quality control allows for a reduction in waste, offering greater respect for the planet.