The future of production: The convergence of technology and industry in Industry 4.0

The steam engine was the fuel of the First Industrial Revolution. In the Second Industrial Revolution, electricity and oil were the protagonists. In the third, somewhat rudimentary automation was introduced in fields such as industry and agriculture. 

And in our times we are living the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 thanks to artificial intelligence and new smart functionalities that are constantly being incorporated into devices.

Advances in augmented reality and automation are a true reflection of the transformation that is taking place in the 21st century: the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. This new transition, full of innovations and continuous improvements, is marked by global connectivity, big data analytics (e.g., the use of data analytics), and the use of new technologies.Big Data) and the integration of smart technology in manufacturing production processes.

According to the World Economic Forum, previous industrial revolutions made it possible for humans to dispense with the use of animal motive power, drove mass production and instilled (and continues to instil) digital skills in all societies. 

However, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is radically different, It impacts all areas of life, from economic, work and personal, by merging the digital world with the physical world.

Basis of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is nothing more than the inexorable extension of the Third Industrial Revolution and the emergence of computers and the Internet. It is based on four principles with associated disruptive technologies:

Hyperconnectivity

By this we mean the interconnection of devices, machines and systems via the internet and other communication networks. This allows information is transmitted quickly and efficiently between different parties within a company or even between different companies in the supply chain. Hyperconnectivity has brought advances such as cloud computing and blockchain.

Analytics and data

Data analytics is a fundamental part of Industry 4.0. It consists of collecting large amounts of data from various sources, such as sensors in machines, social networks or management systems, and then analyse them to obtain valuable information. 

With the use of advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques, In this way, companies can gain in-depth knowledge about their production, processes and customers, enabling them to improve operational efficiency and strategic decision making. 

Some of the innovative technologies and techniques that have emerged through advanced data analytics are the machine learning and Big Data.

Interaction of the machine world with the human world

In Industry 4.0, we are looking for a greater collaboration between the expert systems and human workers. This implies the development of intuitive interfaces that enable a more natural and fluid interaction between people and machines. 

Collaborative robotics and augmented reality are examples of technologies that facilitate this interaction in order to improve efficiency and safety in work environments.

Advanced engineering

Advanced engineering encompasses the integration of innovative technologies in production and product development. These include 3D printing, additive manufacturing, virtual simulation, nanotechnology and renewable energy. All these technologies drive the creation of customised products and the optimisation of production, reducing costs and development times.

New transformative technologies for Industry 4.0

According to German businessman and economist Klaus Schwab, at the height of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a series of disruptive technologies will be implemented that will have completely changed human life around the world, at different rates for different nations.

So, to sum up, the technologies that are going to mark a before and after in Industry 4.0 are:

• Wearable Internet technology: Refers to wearable devices and accessories, such as smartwatches and smart glasses, which allow constant connection to the internet and offer various functionalities and applications.
• Augmented reality: It is a technology that combines virtual elements with the real environment, providing additional information and immersive experiences through devices such as smartphones or augmented reality glasses.
• Internet more accessible to a larger percentage of the population: It seeks to expand connectivity so that more people can access the Internet, reducing the digital divide and enabling access to online information and services.
• Increased use of mobile phones as supercomputers: Smartphones are becoming increasingly powerful in tackling complex tasks and using advanced applications that were previously only possible on high-end desktop computers.
• Infinite cloud storage: Work is underway to develop cloud storage solutions with almost unlimited capacities for users to store large amounts of data securely and accessible from anywhere.
• Internet of Things (IoT): It is the interconnection of everyday objects to the Internet through which data is collected and shared to improve efficiency, control and automation of different processes.
• Smart homes: Smart homes incorporate connected devices and systems so that tenants can control and automate functions such as lighting, heating, security and appliances via mobile devices.
• Smart cities: They are cities that use information and communication technologies to optimise resource management, improve infrastructure and provide more efficient and sustainable services for their inhabitants.
• Big Data for decision making: The collection and analysis of large volumes of data provides valuable information that facilitates more informed and accurate decision-making in a variety of fields, but especially in the field of business strategy and management.
• Autonomous driving: Work is underway to develop vehicles that can operate without human intervention in the interests of road safety and transport efficiency.
• Automation of many jobs: The automation of repetitive and routine tasks is transforming the way certain occupations are carried out, leading to changes in the workforce and in the way people work.
• Robotics in the service and customer service sector: Robots and automated systems are being deployed to provide services in environments such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals and shopping centres.
• Blockchain: It is a distributed recording technology that ensures the security, transparency and immutability of transactions in various areas, such as finance and supply chain.
• 3D printing in the manufacturing and healthcare sector: 3D printing can be used to produce customised objects and components more quickly and efficiently. This has applications in the manufacturing industry and also in medicine, such as the creation of customised prostheses.