Industry 4.0 is a term commonly used for the current 4th industrial revolution. Whereas the previous phases of industrial revolution introduced mechanization, mass production, computerization, and the internet; Industry 4.0 revolves around digitization and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The concept was first introduced in 2011 at the Hannover Fair, widely popularized in 2016, and the trends of fast technology acceleration and rapid digitization continue to these days.
Technologies shaping Industry 4.0
Although there are dozens of technologies enabling Industry 4.0, among the most prominent ones are:
- Cloud computing
- AI
- IoT
- Big data & data analytics
- System integrations
- Robotics
- Virtual, assisted, and augmented reality
- Advanced software systems like ERP, CAFM & CMMS
- Smart glasses
- Digital twins