Industry 4.0 - what is it?
Humanity has so far witnessed three great industrial revolutions that have changed our world beyond recognition and given us completely new opportunities in many areas of life. We are talking about the invention of steam engines, production lines and computers. This is not the end, however, because we are still making progress. The continuous digitization of society means that industry 4.0 has become a popular term today. What is that? What technologies are included in it and what do they change in our lives?
Industry 4.0 – definition
Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution currently underway. Its essence is the introduction of new, innovative IT solutions that have an invaluable impact on production processes. They allow not only to increase their efficiency and productivity, but also to relieve employees of tedious, repetitive tasks and even reduce production costs while improving the quality of products.
To put it another way, industry 4.0 is the spread of digital industrial technology. Thanks to it, it is possible to discover the previously unknown potential of machines and implement them in the most complex processes. As a result, manufacturing companies are able not only to automate each supply chain, but also to improve and control various types of processes, thus influencing their quality and transparency.
The fourth industrial revolution is also inextricably linked to intelligent solutions that use advanced computer algorithms. They allow you to create autonomous systems, program robots that perform difficult tasks for humans, and even remotely control vehicles.
The digital transformation of the industry is still progressing, and an increasing number of entrepreneurs see the opportunities associated with it. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the solutions it offers and the benefits it can provide to manufacturing companies.
Industry 4.0 technologies
The essence of Industry 4.0 are new technologies that can be used in production processes. They are based on intelligent, autonomous systems that can be used at every stage of the supply chain. These are the technological pillars that will make understanding what Industry 4.0 is much easier.
Multi-tasking industrial robots
The most popular and valuable Industry 4.0 technologies that change the face of production processes include autonomous robots designed for many tasks. They are used in many industries - from metal and electronics, through the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, to furniture production. These are new generation solutions that perform their tasks with minimal human intervention. How is this possible?
Industry 4.0 robots operate based on artificial intelligence, modern software and various types of sensors. Thanks to this, it is possible to define specific tasks for them, including the most precise ones, and place the machines at any stage of production. Equipped with modern manipulators, they can be programmed to maneuver heavy loads, perform various works (painting, soldering, assembling elements and many others), and even pack products. Moreover, they are able to recognize and use in practice various types of information received from the environment, which gives almost unlimited possibilities related to their use.
Autonomous robots are the present and future of industry. Their use allows you to automate the production process, replace humans in difficult, tedious and repetitive work, and significantly improve the company's operations. They are an investment of development companies focused on success. You can find more information about them on our website website.
Big Data
The fourth industrial revolution would not be possible without Big Data, i.e. all types of data used in every industry. Currently, we have almost unlimited possibilities in terms of searching, downloading and storing them, and therefore - analyzing and processing them. The Internet, of course, plays a huge role in this matter.
Why is Big Data such an important element of Industry 4.0? First of all, because collecting appropriate data and their proper use allows for:
- increasing the efficiency of production processes;
- improving the quality of products and services;
- reducing losses and increasing company profits;
- detecting various types of errors and eliminating faults.
Moreover, data can even support decision-making processes in enterprises, which is also important in the context of the results they achieve.
Cloud technology
Data collection and processing would be much more difficult if it were not for access to cloud computing. This is one of the foundations of industry 4.0, which provides easy access to mass storage, networks, servers and services with minimal financial outlays and without the need to build your own infrastructure. Data collected in the cloud does not require entrepreneurs to invest in servers - they have immediate access to it and can use it in any way tailored to their own needs and goals.
Cloud technology allows for easy exchange of information and integration of many production processes.
Internet of Things
The essence of industry 4.0 is the creation of a network of intelligent, interconnected devices, such as the above-mentioned autonomous robots. We are talking here about the so-called Internet of Things, which allows various types of devices to communicate with each other - thanks to this, they can obtain various information even without human intervention. An example of the everyday use of this technology is a smart home, in which individual pieces of equipment are paired with e.g. a smartphone and can exchange data using wireless communication (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
The Internet of Things is finding wider application not only in everyday life, but also in industry. Thanks to the creation of a network of devices, as well as numerous sensors and identifiers, it is possible to improve and streamline production processes, monitor the operation of machines, detect faults or imperfections, and much more.
Augmented reality and 3D printing
Extremely important elements of the fourth industrial revolution are: augmented reality (AR) and 3D printing. The former allows you to connect the digital world with the real one, and in industry it is used, for example, to visualize various types of projects, to use repair instructions or training.
3D printing, in turn, allows you to create various types of products, e.g. machine parts, based on appropriate files. This makes it much easier to adapt the project to the specific needs of the client and increase the precision of the tasks performed.
What are the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution?
Now that you know what Industry 4.0 is and what its technologies are, it is worth moving on to the summary. Preferably in the form of benefits offered by the fourth industrial revolution. Thanks to it, we gain access to intelligent solutions that allow us to:
- automation of production processes, and thus increasing the efficiency of operations and improving the quality of products;
- reducing downtime and delays, as well as reducing production costs;
- minimizing the number of failures and losses - also in the field of energy and raw materials;
- tailoring solutions fully individually to the specific needs of the company;
- meeting customer expectations more effectively and establishing new business relationships;
- taking advantage of almost unlimited opportunities for company development, regardless of the industry branch.
The fourth industrial revolution affects every area of an enterprise's operation, improving decision-making processes, ensuring timely deliveries and influencing the accuracy of forecasts. This is an opportunity to optimize profits and get ahead of the competition in many fields.
Therefore, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Easy Robots offer and implement intelligent solutions that will significantly improve production processes in your company.