The technologies defined as ‘the 9 key drivers” or “the nine pillars” of Industry 4.0 comprise:
- Autonomous Robots: Autonomous robots are robots that are capable of performing tasks without human intervention. These robots use sensors, software, and other technologies to navigate their environment, detect objects, and make decisions based on the data they receive. They can perform a variety of functions, including manufacturing, transportation, and even complex surgeries. Autonomous robots are being developed for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, logistics, and agriculture, and are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of work. Although they offer many benefits, such as increased efficiency and safety, there are also concerns about the impact of these robots on employment and society as a whole.
One of the most promising segments in autonomous robots is collaborative robots. Collaborative robots (cobots) are robots that can work alongside humans in a shared workspace to accomplish tasks together. Cobots have various technical features, including the use of lightweight materials, rounded contours, and sensors located at the robot base and joints. These sensors help to measure and regulate the force and speed of the robots, ensuring that they do not go beyond predetermined limits, thus preventing harm to humans in case of direct contact
- Simulation: Production process simulation involves developing a digital model of a manufacturing plant or factory. This model simulates the entire production process, from the arrival of raw materials to the packaging and shipping of finished goods. The simulation models can be used to test different design options, production schedules, and process flows. By simulating various scenarios, companies can evaluate and optimize their production processes before implementation, reduce manufacturing time, and lower production costs. The simulation models can also assist with training employees, troubleshooting issues, and evaluating the impact of different product volumes. Overall, production process simulation is a valuable tool for companies to improve their operational efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Horizontal and vertical system integration: horizontal integration consists of integrating the entire value chain of the product life cycle and it involves connecting different departments or processes within the same level of production, thus including an interaction between suppliers, partners, and customers. Vertical system integration of production systems involves integrating systems that are at different levels of production (e.g., management, sales, finance, human resources, etc.).
Overall, both horizontal and vertical system integration in production systems has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. Horizontal integration allows for better communication and coordination within the same level of production and eliminates duplicate work efforts, while vertical integration facilitates better coordination between different levels. By adopting these integration strategies, companies can achieve greater production efficiency and improve competitiveness in the marketplace.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): IIoT is a system of interconnected devices, machines, sensors, and other equipment that are networked with software applications and data analytics to enable real-time optimization and automation of industrial processes. It involves collecting and analyzing massive amounts of data generated by industrial equipment and using that data to optimize processes and make informed business decisions. Thus, IIoT is also one of the key technologies responsible for ensuring the integration of data and communications across the industry and beyond with the stakeholders involved. IIoT can help companies streamline and automate production processes, improve overall efficiency, reduce downtime and lowering maintenance costs through predictive maintenance, enable real-time monitoring and decision-making, optimize energy usage and other resources, and improve the safety of the industrial environment.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and measures designed to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, damage, or theft. It is a critical field in today’s digital age as cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated.
- Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, software, and more. Thus, the company only pays for the resources it uses, making it technically and economically viable to obtain access to large computing resources.
- Additive Manufacturing (AM): Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. This is in contrast to traditional manufacturing methods, such as injection molding or subtractive manufacturing, which involve cutting or removing materials to create the desired shape.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information such as text, images, or videos on top of the real-world environment. AR enhances the user’s perception of reality by bringing digital content into the physical world, typically through a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or AR headset.
In a smart factory, AR can be used to provide visual instructions to workers during assembly, maintenance, and repair processes.
- Big Data: Big Data refers to a massive volume of structured and unstructured data that is generated from various sources such as social media, websites, sensors, machines, and other devices. The size of big data is so large that conventional data-processing techniques and applications are not capable of handling this amount of information
