What is Industry 4.0?

What do you know about the Industrial Revolution? If somebody asks you this question, you’ll simply answer it as the advent of mechanization to the world. Also, some of you will say steam power and water power were the modes of technologies introduced. However, did you know that this particular Industrial revolution which we are talking about is just the first one of four revolutions? Whether you believe it or not, the truth is such!

In fact, following the first Industrial Revolution, the second one took place from the late 19th century until the early 20th century. During this time, the world embraced mass production and rapid advancements in electricity, chemicals, etc.

However, people did not stop there and a third industrial revolution soon began in the 1950s. This was the time which electronics, telecommunications including computers emerged into the tech limelight. Also, new avenues were opened for space expeditions, biotechnology, etc during this time.

So, at which Industrial revolution are we now? You guessed it right! It is the 4th industrial revolution which is taking place at present.

Accordingly, 4th industrial revolution or industry 4.0 revolves around cyber-physical systems. In other words, the basis of this revolution involves the automation of existing manufacturing practices.

Basically, this automation is done by utilizing various technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT), Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML), Digital twin, etc. Therefore, it is important to observe some of these leading technologies, in order to get a basic understanding of industry 4.0

Internet of Things (IoT)

In simple terms, IoT is a system that is comprised of Digital machines, Computing devices, or even animals, objects, and people with unique identifiers. In fact, IoT enables data transfer over a network, without any human-to-human or human-to-machine interaction. As a result that, IoT is used to play a major role in smart factories, by making it possible for extensive amounts of data to be exchanged, analyzed, and collected through such advanced connectivity.

AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning render businesses with the fullest advantage on the volume of information generated. Especially, in the production floors, business units, partners, and even when it comes to third-party sources. Also, useful insights can be created by using AI & ML, when it comes to the automation of business processes.

Cloud Computing

When we talk about the strategy of Industry 4.0 here comes cloud computing. In fact, cloud computing is what makes it possible to completely realize the demands of smart manufacturing such as the integration of engineering, production, sales, distribution, etc.

Digital Twin

Withal, Industry 4.0 has enabled manufacturers to create digital replicas involving the elements of production such as Production lines, supply chains, and even factories. This concept is in fact known as the digital twin.

Basically, digital twins are created by extracting data from IoT sensors, devices, and various other objects connected to the internet. In particular, they can be used to improve workflows, enhance productivity while implementing new products for the betterment of manufacturers in the industry.

However, these technologies aren’t all about Industry 4.0. They are just the tip of the iceberg, as there are various breath-taking concepts and concerns related to this topic. Therefore, we plan to bring you more details on Industry 4.0 from our upcoming blogs. So, make sure to stay connected with us!