Which ir4 0 technological building block or innovation interests you the most why

Technical advances also change the way humans produce things. The step into production technology, which was completely different from the past, is also called the industrial revolution. The new production technologies fundamentally changed the working conditions and lifestyles of people. What were the industrial revolutions and where do we find ourselves now? “From the First Industrial Revolution to Industry 4.0”

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1st Industrial Revolution

The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century through the use of steam power and mechanisation of production. What before produced threads on simple spinning wheels, the mechanised version achieved eight times the volume in the same time. Steam power was already known. The use of it for industrial purposes was the greatest breakthrough for increasing human productivity. Instead of weaving looms powered by muscle, steam-engines could be used for power. Developments such as the steamship or (some 100 years later) the steam-powered locomotive brought about further massive changes because humans and goods could move great distances in fewer hours.

2nd Industrial Revolution

The Second Industrial Revolution began in the 19th century through the discovery of electricity and assembly line production. Henry Ford (1863-1947) took the idea of mass production from a slaughterhouse in Chicago: The pigs hung from conveyor belts and each butcher performed only a part of the task of butchering the animal. Henry Ford carried over these principles into automobile production and drastically altered it in the process. While before one station assembled an entire automobile, now the vehicles were produced in partial steps on the conveyor belt - significantly faster and at lower cost.

3rd Industrial Revolution

The Third Industrial Revolution began in the ’70s in the 20th century through partial automation using memory-programmable controls and computers. Since the introduction of these technologies, we are now able to automate an entire production process - without human assistance. Known examples of this are robots that perform programmed sequences without human intervention.

4th Industrial Revolution

We are currently implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is characterised by the application of information and communication technologies to industry and is also known as "Industry 4.0". It builds on the developments of the Third Industrial Revolution. Production systems that already have computer technology are expanded by a network connection and have a digital twin on the Internet so to speak. These allow communication with other facilities and the output of information about themselves. This is the next step in production automation. The networking of all systems leads to "cyber-physical production systems" and therefore smart factories, in which production systems, components and people communicate via a network and production is nearly autonomous.

When these enablers come together, Industry 4.0 has the potential to deliver some incredible advances in factory environments. Examples include machines which can predict failures and trigger maintenance processes autonomously or self-organized logistics which react to unexpected changes in production.

And it has the power to change the way that people work. Industry 4.0 can pull individuals into smarter networks, with the potential of more efficient working. The digitalization of the manufacturing environment allows for more flexible methods of getting the right information to the right person at the right time. The increasing use of digital devices inside factories and out in the field means maintenance professionals can be provided with equipment documentation and service history in a timelier manner, and at the point of use. Maintenance professionals want to be solving problems, not wasting time trying to source the technical information that they need.

In short, Industry 4.0 is a game-changer, across industrial settings. The digitalization of manufacturing will change the way that goods are made and distributed, and how products are serviced and refined. On that basis, it can truly lay claim to represent the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution.

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, although it is concerned with areas that are not usually classified as industry applications in their own right, such as smart cities.

What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

The first industrial revolution came with the advent of mechanisation, steam power and water power.

This was followed by the second industrial revolution, which revolved around mass production and assembly lines using electricity.

The third industrial revolution came with electronics, I.T. systems and automation, which led to the fourth industrial revolution that is associated with cyber physical systems.

Industry 4.0 Technologies

Generally-speaking, Industry 4.0 describes the growing trend towards automation and data exchange in technology and processes within the manufacturing industry, including:

This automation creates a manufacturing system whereby machines in factories are augmented with wireless connectivity and sensors to monitor and visualise an entire production process and make autonomous decisions.

Wireless connectivity and the augmentation of machines will be greatly advanced with the full roll out of 5G. This will provide faster response times, allowing for near real time communication between systems.

The fourth industrial revolution also relates to digital twin technologies. These digital technologies can create virtual versions of real-world installations, processes and applications. These can then be robustly tested to make cost-effective decentralised decisions.

These virtual copies can then be created in the real world and linked, via the internet of things, allowing for cyber-physical systems to communicate and cooperate with each other and human staff to create a joined up real time data exchange and automation process for Industry 4.0 manufacturing.

This automation includes interconnectivity between processes, information transparency and technical assistance for decentralised decisions.

In short, this should allow for digital transformation. This will allow for automated and autonomous manufacturing with joined-up systems that can cooperate with each other.

The technology will help solve problems and track processes, while also increasing productivity.

What is an Example of the Industry 4.0 Revolution?

Industry 4.0 has already been demonstrated through business models such as offline programming and adaptive control for arc welding, taking the process from product design through simulation and onto the shop floor for production.

There are also examples of businesses implementing Industry 4.0 in automotive manufacture and a variety of smart factories across the world.

Industry 4.0 at TWI

TWI has been exploring Industry 4.0, with a particular focus on its application to joining and associated technologies. Digital manufacturing is a key area for development through TWI projects and industrial case studies.

These projects include those related to areas such as rapid prototyping, electronics and sensors, and also digital twin for inspection purposes.

TWI’s expertise means that we remain at the forefront of this emerging array of processes, technologies and applications across a variety of industry sectors.

What are the Details of Industry 5.0?

Industry 5.0 is already being spoken about and involves robots and smart machines allowing humans to work better and smarter.  

Esben Østergaard, Universal Robots chief technology officer and co-founder, explained, “Industry 5.0 will make the factory a place where creative people can come and work, to create a more personalised and human experience for workers and their customers."

By connecting the way in which man and machine work together, estimates say that Industry 5.0 will mean that over 60% of manufacturing, logistics and supply chains, agri-farming, and the mining and oil and gas sectors will employ chief robotics officers by 2025. 

The European Economic Social Committee asserts that, "The proliferation of robotic automation is inevitable.”

What is Industry 4.0 Explain with reference to the major building blocks?

What is the building block of technology?

What are the Industry 4.0 enabling technologies?

Which Industry 4.0 technologies are expected to have the most profound impact on your organization?